LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
431 
of the Esquimaux, for not keeping* their appointment; but the 
other ascribed it entirely to the authority of his wife, to whom 
he acknowledged bis complete subjection. 
It was, however, with some degree of satisfaction, that they 
heard, that Capt. Ross had determined to undertake a journey 
to Nichilli , and they immediately offered their services to 
accompany him: they were accepted by Capt. Ross, and they 
agreed to be at the ship after three seniks , in despite of all 
uxorial coercion, hinderance, or opposition. 
Great preparations were now made for this intended journey, 
and several parties were sent out a shooting, in order that the 
haversacks might be well filled with provisions of various sorts, 
so that the health of Capt. Ross might not suffer by the sudden 
transition from the dainties and luxuries of the cabin of the 
Victory, to the coarse, and savage fare, which was to be 
obtained on the journey. It is possible, that some persons may 
look upon a precaution of this kind, as finical, and beneath the 
character of a British sailor, but Capt. Ross had the experience 
before him, of the great injury, which the health of Capt.Frank- 
lin and his noble companions sustained from a sudden transition 
from goose and grouse, to tripe de roche and stinking deer 
bones; and on account, of the mortal consequences, which then 
ensued from such a change of diet, not the slightest blame 
can be attached to Capt. Ross, in providing that the same dire¬ 
ful fate did not befal himself. 
The sportsmen were, however, not very fortunate in their 
endeavors to add to the travelling |tores of Capt. Ross, for a 
few grouse were all that they bagged, although they saw the 
traces of deer, hares, oxen, gluttons, ermine, and mice. In 
regard to the latter animal, although we may affect to despise it, 
to the Esquimaux epicures it is a real bonne bouche ; and if they 
can catch half a dozen at a time, they run a piece of horn 
or twig through them, in the same manner as the London 
poulterers prepare the larks for the table; and without stopping 
to skin them, Qr divest them of their entrails, broil them over the 
fire, and although some of the mice may have belonged to the 
aborigines of the race, yet, so strong is the mastication of the 
