OF THE POLAR SEA. 



361 



secreted and distributed it among themselves, in order that when 

 provision should become scarce, they might privately procure ducks 

 and geese, and avoid the necessity of sharing them with the officers. 



The situation of our encampment was ascertained to be, latitude 

 67° 47' 50" N., longitude 115° 36' 49" W., the variation of the com- 

 pass 46° W 52" E., and dip of the needle 88° 5' 07". 



It will be perceived, that the position of the mouth of the river, 

 given by our observations, differs widely from that assigned to it by 

 Mr. Hearne ; but the accuracy of his description, conjoined with 

 Indian information, assured us that we were at the very part he 

 visited. I have, therefore, named the most conspicuous cape we 

 then saw " Cape Hearne," as a just tribute to the memory of that 

 persevering traveller. I have distinguished another cape by the 

 name of Mackenzie, in honour of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the 

 only other European* who had before reached the Northern Ocean. 

 I have called the river which falls into the sea, to the westward of 

 the Copper-Mine, Eichardson, as a testimony of sincere regard for 

 my friend and companion, Dr. Eichardson ; and have named the 

 islands, which are in view from our encampment,, " Couper's Isles," 

 in honour of a friend of his. The sun set this night at thirty mi- 

 nutes after eleven, apparent time ; and the annexed view, taken from 

 a drawing by Mr. Back, shews the appearance of the sky and the 

 prospect at midnight. 



The travelling distance from Fort Enterprize to the north of the 

 Copper-Mine Eiver, is about three hundred and thirty-four miles. 

 The canoes and baggage were dragged over snow and ice for one 

 hundred and seventeen miles of this distance. 



* Captain Parry's success was at this time unknown to us, 



