OF THE POLAR SEA 339 



The portion of the sea over which we passed is navigable for vessels 

 of any size; the ice we met, particularly after quitting Detention 

 Harbour, would not have arrested a strong boat. The chain of 

 islands affords 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 doubt- 

 less an arduous one, and, if ultimately successful, may occupy two and 

 perhaps three seasons; but confiding as I do, from personal know- 

 ledge, 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 pro- 

 cured without difficulty ; and, even later in the season, additions to 

 his stock of provision may be obtained on many parts of the coast, 

 should circumstances give him leisure to send out hunting parties. 

 With the trawl or seine nets also, he may almost every where get 

 abundance of fish even without retarding his progress. Under these 

 circumstances I do not conceive that he runs any hazard of wanting 

 provisions, should his voyage be prolonged even beyond the latest 

 period of time which is calculated upon. Drift timber may be 

 gathered at many places in considerable quantities, and there is a 

 fair prospect of his opening a communication with the Esquimaux, 

 who come down to the coast to kill seals in the spring, previous 

 to the ice breaking up ; and from whom, if he succeeds in con- 

 ciliating their good- will, he may obtain provision, and much useful 

 assistance. 



If he makes for Copper-Mine Elver, as he probably will do, he 



