OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. 
205 
we looked anxiously towards the sea for any appearance of open water in 1820 . 
the offing, but nothing of this kind was visible, though the prospect was a 
commanding one, as far to the westward as a S.S.W. bearing. 
As soon as the observations were completed, we set off for Winter Harbour, 
and having passed over much rich and wet ground, abounding with sorrel, 
which now began to put forth its leaves with more vigour, arrived on board 
at seven P.M., having been met, and welcomed most heartily, by almost 
every officer and man belonging to the ships ; and it was no small satis- 
faction to me to hear it remarked, that the whole of our travelling party 
appeared in more robust health than when we left them. 
