GREENLAND OR POLAR IGE. 



-263 



bah discover the nearest route to his odorous 

 banquet, though the distance be incredibly- 

 great. 



The water of the ocean, is not the least interest- 

 ing of the elements, particularly as affording the 

 bed, and partly the materials for the most prodi- 

 gious masses of ice. Its colour is peculiar. Its 

 products are numerous, and of particular import- 

 ance. It is here that the huge Mysticetus, or 

 Whalebone Whale, takes up his residence, and 

 collects his food ; — it is here that he sports and 

 astonishes, by his vast bulk and proportionate 

 strength and it is here that he becomes the ob- 

 ject of raaritim.e adventure, and a source of com- 

 mercial riches. 



Ice J an interesting production. 



Of the inanimate productions of Greenland^ 

 hone perhaps excites so much interest and aston- 

 ishment in a stranger, as the ice in its great abun- 

 dance and variety. The stupendous masses, known 

 by the name of Ice-Islands, Floating- Mountains^ 

 or Icebergs, common to Davis' Straits and some- 

 times met with here, from their height, various 

 forms, and the depth of water in which they 

 ground, are calculated to strike the beholder with 



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