334 



ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



waves toward Lupton Channel. Many seals were seen bobbing 

 their heads above water ; and, as we entered among the islands 

 within the channel, ducks were to be seen in every direction, some 

 flying, some in the water, and some on the islands. They were 

 in such numbers that, when above us, they almost darkened the 

 air. Nearly all were king ducks (males), their mates being en- 

 gaged in domestic affairs at home — sitting — while the " lords of 

 the house" were gathering food for them. 



In passing through the channel and Bear Sound the tide was 

 favorable, and swept us along with great rapidity. Occasionally 

 we were in a mill-race of waters, and it required much care to 

 navigate the boat. 



At a quarter past 4 P.M. we reached the whaling depot, dis- 

 tant about thirty miles, having been eleven hours coming from 

 the ship. 



We found the officers and men all well and in good condition. 

 They had lived on ducks, duck eggs, seal, walrus, and venison, 

 which they had in abundance, but they were much disheartened 

 at their poor success in whaling. Not a whale had been caught 

 since the past fall. Walrus in any numbers could be obtained, 

 and many had been secured for their skins and tusks ; but the 

 main object of the voyage had as yet been a failure. 



With reference to the walrus, Mr. Eogers told me that one day, 

 when out cruising for whales, he went, with two boats and crews, 

 half way across Frobisher Bay, and then came to an iceberg one 

 hundred feej; above the sea, and, mounting it, with a spy-glass, 

 took a look all around. Whales there were none ; but walrus — 

 "Why," to use his figurative but expressive words, "there were 

 millions out on the pieces of ice, drifting with the tide — walrus in 

 every direction — millions on millions." 



On their way back, Mr. Lamb, in charge of the second boat, had 

 a fight with some walrus in the following manner. Approaching 

 a piece of ice on which some of these creatures were basking, he 

 attacked one of them, whereupon all the rest immediately rushed 

 toward the boat, and vigorously set upon him and his crew. For 

 a time it seemed necessary to fly for safety ; but all hands resisted 

 the attack, and would have got off very well, but that one of the 

 walrus herd pierced the boat's side with his tusks, and made the 

 invaders retreat to repair damages. Mr. Lamb had to drag his 

 boat upon an ice-floe near by, and stuff in oakum to stop a seri- 

 ous leak thus caused. Finally he succeeded, though with some 



