316 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, frozen during the night to the thickness of half an inch. After eight 
A. M. Mr. Elson and myself walked along the beach to reconnoitre the 
Narrative state of the ice. We found that, if we could cut the boat thi’ough about 
B^rgl a quarter of a mile of ice, we should get into about double that dis- 
tance of clear water, and returned on board with the determination to 
accomplish this. Having got the boat afloat, we began our arduous 
task of cutting and hauling her through the ice. The natives, seeing 
us thus employed, very kindly came (unasked) and lent their assistance. 
We persevered in our labours till half past three, by which time we 
had moved the boat a mile and a half south of her former position. 
Another and more formidable barrier was now opposed to us, consist- 
ing of extensive pieces of ice aground, closely wedged together by 
smaller masses, under which we anchored. After dinner Mr. Elson and 
myself again visited the cliffs, and thought we could perceive a zigzag 
channel which afforded a hope of liberation, provided we could force her 
through the present obstacle. Immediately we got on board, we com- 
menced cutting a passage ; but had no sooner made an opening, than 
it was filled by the current drifting smaller pieces of ice down. These 
we for some time kept cutting and clearing away; but after two hours 
and a half of hard work, we found our exertions endless, and relin- 
quished the attempt. In the evening the wind veered to the S. E., and 
the breeze, though light from this quarter, put some of the smaller 
pieces of ice in motion off* the land. We remained up till midnight, 
although fatigued with the toils of the day, and the wind having in- 
creased to a fresh breeze, had the consolation to witness the moving 
of several of the larger pieces. The collision that now took place, owing 
to the shift of wind (the ice in the offing still holding its former course, 
whilst that in shore was opposed to it), occasioned a grinding noise not 
unlike to that of a heavy roaring surf. Having fully satisfied ourselves 
of the departure of the ice, if the wind should hold its present direction 
and force, w'e retired to rest, anxiously waiting the following morning. 
Monday, 28th Aug. Rising early, we had the great satisfaction 
to see that the formidable barrier which yesterday afternoon had 
been proof against our attempts, had nearly all drifted to sea, and 
that the coast, as far as we could discern, was fast clearing of ice. The 
