242 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



shelter from all heavy seas, and there are 

 good harbours at convenient distances. I 

 entertain, indeed, sanguine hopes that the 

 skill and exertions of my friend Captain 

 Parry will soon render this question no 

 longer problematical. His task is doubtless 

 an arduous one, and, if ultimately success- 

 ful, may occupy two and perhaps three 

 seasons; but confiding, as I do from per- 

 sonal knowledge, in his perseverance and 

 talent for surmounting difficulties, the 

 strength of his ships, and the abundance of 

 provisions with which they are stored, I 

 have very little apprehension of his safety. 

 As I understand his object was to keep the 

 coast of America close on board, he will 

 find in the spring of the year, before the 

 breaking up of the ice can permit him to 

 pursue his voyage, herds of deer flocking 

 in abundance to all parts of the coast, 

 which may be procured without difficulty ; 

 and, even later in the season, additions to 

 his stock of provision may be obtained on 

 many parts of the coast, should circum- 

 stances give him leisure to send out hunting 



