LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
269 
formation of Okkaru was in many instances confirmed respecting a 
sea to the westward, but as to the possibility of navigating it, 
was a question which subsequent events were to confirm or 
disprove. 
On the 28 th the Esquimaux brought another seal, but they 
were not admitted on board. After the performance of divine 
service, it being the sabbath day, the crew asked permission to 
take a walk to the huts, but the request was most peremptorily 
refused, in fact, the disposition of Capt. Ross appeared to 
partake of the nature of a vane, and in some degree to be regu¬ 
lated by the quarter from which the wind blew. He certainly 
never condescended to give a reason for the refusal which he 
gave to the crew, but it appeared to arise more from the whim 
of the moment, than from any good and substantial cause. The 
Esquimaux received a few fish-hooks for the seal, but they did 
not appear very well satisfied with their reward, and as a proof, 
on the following day they brought a glutton, but they would not 
part with it until they knew what they were to receive for it; 
which proves that notwithstanding their apparent stupidity and 
ignorance, they began to ascertain some correct ideas of the 
principles of traffic, by not parting with an article, until the 
equivalent was determined upon. 
The month of February ended with fine weather but a very 
slight diminution in the intensity of the frost. 
