396 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
Esquimaux woman is formed in a different model to that of a 
European; but, at all events, although it could not be expected of 
the latter, that she should deport herself with all the masculine 
strength'of the former, yet perhaps were she to emancipate her¬ 
self from many of those effeminacies and puerilities, which 
custom may have sanctioned, but which reason and nature con¬ 
demn, there is very little doubt, but that herself, and her off¬ 
spring would be considerable gainers by the change. 
The required relief to the aged mother and the lying-in lady 
was granted, the latter of whom became, for the two or three 
following days, a kind of daily pensioner upon the ship, her 
husband coming regularly for the rashers; but in proportion as 
she recovered, her taste appeared also to undergo a variation, for 
towards the latter part of the husband's visits, the preference 
was given to the slices off the hinder part of the seal, as being 
more substantial and strengthening. 
In the evening the six pounder was fired, and two rockets let 
off, with a light burning aloft during the whole of the night. 
Orders were issued to the watch, to keep a good look-out for 
Commander 'James, whose arrival was as likely to take place 
during the night as in the day time; for there was no comfort¬ 
able inn where he could repose for the night, nor even a habit¬ 
ation in which he could seek for shelter. If the imagination 
were to employ itself in fancying a scene of the most utter : 
desolation and wretchedness ; a more appropriate one, perhaps, 
could not be selected, than an individual in the situation of 
Commander Ross, travelling in the darkness of night, over 
trackless deserts of snow, exposed to all the violence of the 
elements, and at a distance from all support or assistance. It 
is only the heart trebly steeled with resolution and courage, 
that can carry a man through scenes of so appalling a nature; 
and a degree of compatriot pride rises in our breast, when we 
think, that our country can be the parent of such men, who 
estranging themselves, from all the comforts and luxuries of 
civilized life, devote themselves in the pursuit of knowledge 
and science, to the severest privations and sufferings, to whom 
danger appears habitual, and fear an emotion,which they never felt. 
