OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. 
209 
and which we supposed to be a Draba, was also observed to be pushing out 1820. 
its blossoms about this time ; but none of these plants were so forward as the 
saxifrage. 
On the 11th, another instance occurred of a remarkable difference in 
the weather in Winter Harbour, and at no great distance to the northward of 
it, the weather being described in the Meteorological Journals of the ships, 
as very inclement, with a gale of wind from the westward, while, near 
Bushnan Cove, we enjoyed a clear and moderate day. Some hares were 
seen, for the first time, to the eastward of the ships. 
Some of the officers returned on the 14th, after an excursion of two days Wed. 14. 
to the eastward, bringing with them three brent-geese, six brace of ptar- 
migan, and a golden plover, and having seen several hares, Mr. Beverly 
describes the soil upon the hills to be composed of clay, and the large 
masses of sandstone which are found on the surface as much impregnated 
with iron. The first rein-deer were seen from the ships this day ; and it was 
conjectured by the officers, from the situation in which they were observed;, 
and from their setting off directly to the northward, that they had just landed 
upon the island. 
Being desirous of procuring as much game as possible during the remainder Fnd- 16. 
of the time we might be destined still to remain in our present inactive state, 
and finding that the short daily excursions which our sportsmen were enabled 
to make in the usual way, did not take them to a sufficient distance from the 
ships for this purpose, I directed a party of officers and men to be pre- 
pared from each ship, under Lieutenants Beechey and Hoppner, to remain a 
few days out, at the distance of ten or twelve miles to the eastward and 
westward of the harbour, and to send in their game whenever any should be 
procured. They accordingly left the ships this evening, carrying with them 
tents, blankets, fuel, and the same allowance of provisions as was issued on 
board. Lieutenant Hoppner, who commanded the party which went to the 
south-west, was directed carefully to watch the ice, that any appearance of 
its breaking up might immediately be made known to me. Captain Sabine 
and his men were indefatigably employed during the day in pitching a 
laboratory-tent, having a marquee within it, for the reception of the clocks, 
it being his wish, now that the weather was more favourable for the purpose, 
to occupy the whole of the time which might elapse previously to the sailing 
of the Expedition, in making a fresh series of observations for the pendulums. 
At half an hour before midnight, a triple rainbow appeared, the outer arch 
2E 
