CH. XXXVj 
The Greely Expedition 
319 
Along the shore was what was called a tidal crack, varying 
in width, supposed to be caused by the motion of the 
polar pack. Lieutenant Greely rightly concluded from 
the regularity of the surface in the fjords or inlets, that 
this was really the north coast of Greenland, and not a 
separate land as later alleged by Peary. 
Greely himself started on an expedition inland on 
June 26th, and this journey, combined with a shorter 
one in the spring, resulted in the discovery of an extensive 
lake, and enabled him to obtain a clear idea of this part 
of the great island, his furthest point being 175 miles 
from Conger. A number of Eskimo bone implements and 
remains of sledges, of considerable antiquity, were found 
and brought back. But now began the first hint of the 
misfortunes that were to befall them. The Proteus, the 
relief vessel which was to bring the expedition home, 
was anxiously expected but never arrived, and a second 
winter had therefore to be faced. 
On April 25th, 1883, Lieutenant Lockwood started for 
a month's exploration westward. He succeeded in crossing 
the island to a fjord on the west coast to which he gave 
the name of Greely, and down this he and Sergeant 
Brainard travelled for 25 miles. To the south of the 
fjord the country appeared to be covered by an immense 
ice-cap with an unbroken series of cliffs from 125 to 200 
feet in height. 
It was decided to commence a retreat on the 18th 
August, with a steam launch, a whale-boat, and two 
English ice-boats, carrying 50 days' provisions, to take 
them to Cape Dobbin, where they expected to find a 
ship. All the records of observations as well as the 
reports of sledge journeys were placed in tin cases care- 
fully soldered. They picked up the English depot at 
Cape Collinson (240 rations of meat and 120 of bread) 
and reached Cape Hawke with 60 days' provisions. On 
October 2nd they landed at Wade Point with 35 days' 
food for 25 men. All the boats, except one ice-boat, 
had been abandoned. On the 9th Sergeant Rice arrived 
at Cape Sabine and obtained news. The Proteus had 
foundered on the 23rd July, and her commander Lieu- 
tenant Garlington and crew had escaped to the east 
coast. The English depot was found. The members of 
