OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. 
13 
commonly used in Walker’s Azimuth Compass had traversed so sluggishly for 1819. 
some days past, that it was now found necessary to substitute a lighter one, 
supplied by the maker for this purpose. The looms and tern were numerous 
near the ice. 
On the 8th, at noon, we observed, in lat. 68° 30' 01", and long. 57° 22' 57", Thur. 8. 
being 6' 51" to the southward, and 9' 53" to the eastward of the dead reckon- 
ing. We sounded in a hundred and seventy-eight fathoms’ water, the bottom 
being of the same nature as on the preceding day. 
On the 9th, having reached the latitude of 68° 45' 53", long. 57° 49' 51", the Frid. 9. 
ship was found to have made less northing by eleven miles and three quarters 
than the log gave. The soundings were a hundred and fifty-two fathoms, the 
lead being covered with soft green mud, mixed with sand and gravel. 
Large flocks of tern and looms were seen about the ice. A northerly wind 
prevented our making much progress, for the ice was still so compact in every 
part, as to render it impossible to penetrate to the westward ; and nothing, 
therefore, remained to be done but to make the best way we could, by beat- 
ing to the northward along the edge of the pack. 
On the 10th a thick fog came on, which made great caution necessary in Sat. 10. 
sailing, there being a great many icebergs near us. There is, however, even 
in the thickest fog, a strong reflection of light from these immense bodies of 
ice, which, with an attentive look-out, is generally visible at a sufficient dis- 
tance to enable the navigator, if in smooth water, to avoid coming in contact 
with them. 
At noon, the wind being still against us, we had only reached the lat. of 
69° 04' 28", being 9' 49" to the southward of the dead reckoning. The long, by the 
chronometers, was 58° 10' 30", being 23' 47'' to the eastward of the account in 
two days. We obtained soundings in a hundred and sixty-seven fathoms, on 
a bottom of green mud, with a little sand and gravel. At night the fog froze 
as it fell upon the rigging, making it difficult to work the ship among the ice. 
A large bear (Ursus Maritimus J being seen on a piece of ice, near which we Sun. li. 
were passing this morning, a boat was despatched in pursuit, and our people 
succeeded in killing and towing it on board. As these animals sink immediately 
on being mortally wounded, some dexterity is requisite to secure them, by first 
throwing a rope over the neck, at which many of the Greenland seamen are 
remarkably expert. It is customary for the boats of the whalers to have two 
or three lines coiled in them, which not only gives them great stability, but, 
with good management, makes it difficult for a bear, when swimming, to put 
