VOYAGE TO GREENLAND. 
109 
ice in motion, and prevented our getting out, though 
almost all the other ships found a clear lead to the 
westward; the opening through which they had 
passed we visited about noon for the same purpose, 
but found it too hazardous to attempt until four 
o’clock, when it having indicated a more favourable 
movement, we again sailed towards it; but the 
moment we were about to enter, it was observed to 
be closing very rapidly, and that inevitable destruc- 
tion would be the consequence of our proceeding. 
The sails were therefore backed, and the ship lay 
to, to afford us an opportunity of observing the col- 
lision of two heavy bodies of ice ; a circumstance 
fatal to many, and dreaded by all who visit the arctic 
regions. The meeting was terrifically grand ; as 
soon as the most projecting parts came in contract, 
they began to rise above the surface in cubical and 
rhomboidal masses of great magnitude and vast 
weight, some at least fifty feet long, thirty feet broad, 
and twenty feet thick ; these projections being ele- 
,vated on the great bed of ice, threw the pressure 
on parts of yet greater extent, whilst those of higher 
elevation kept gradually rising and forming an im- 
mense bank, as if by some supernatural agency. 
The whole was calculated to excite the admiration 
of those who delight in beholding the wonderful 
works of God. 
Being thus shut out, we sailed to the northward, 
keeping near the margin of the field throughout 
the day, and intending, if possible, to get round it. 
