286 



ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



From information I afterward obtained, the plains here spoken 

 of appeared to be well known to our friendly Innuits as a breed- 

 ing-place for the deer ; and the whole country between Frobisher 

 Bay and Niountelik (a place in the north part of Northumberland 

 Inlet) had been frequently traversed by several of the intelligent 

 natives who visited us ; but, unless discreetly questioned, it is 

 rare for an Esquimaux to say much of himself, his people, or his 

 native land. It is only by degrees, and by a long association 

 with them, that any one can elicit any material facts. 



At half past 10 P.M. we were on the top of another mountain. 

 Here we had something more to eat ; and then, proceeding to the 

 sea-ice, directed our steps toward the vessel. The walk was one 

 of great labor, yet not so trying to the temper as that of some pre- 

 vious portion of the day. 



At three o'clock in the morning we arrived on board of the 

 ship, completely exhausted with the fatiguing journey, made, dur- 

 ing eighteen hours, over a distance of about twenty-five miles. 



