432 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS, 
natives, that the bones of the animal yield to its power, as easily 
as the bones of a rabbit to a shark. 
The whole of the 29th was occupied in preparing* the provi¬ 
sions, and the other requisites for the journey of Capt. Ross, and 
an anxious look-out was kept for the two Esquimaux, who had 
promised to attend him as his guides; but whether the uxoriai 
power was again set in motion, or their seniks were of longer 
duration, than they originally calculated upon, they omitted 
to keep their appointment, and Capt. Ross set out upon his 
expedition without them. It was, however, by no means a task 
of any great difficulty to steer his course direct for his destina¬ 
tion, for, being acquainted with the exact bearing of the place 
from the ship, by compass, and having neither forest nor savan¬ 
nah to cross, to mislead him in his track, he was perhaps as well 
situated without the Esquimaux as with them; for although, per¬ 
sonally, they mighc not prove of any encumbrance to him, yet, as 
claimants upon the haversacks, they might be considered as 
direct interlopers, for, from the quickness of their digestive 
powers, their appetite was always in a craving condition; and 
the surest method of rendering an Esquimaux a still more 
unsociable and sulky animal, than his natural disposition led 
him to be, was to debar him from satisfying his hunger when¬ 
ever it pressed upon him. On an expedition, therefore, where 
any chance prevailed, of being shortened in provisions, they 
were perhaps the most improper persons, that could be selected 
to be included in the party. 
One inconvenience was, however, sustained by the absence of 
the Esquimaux, as, in consequence thereof, Capt. Ross was 
obliged to take with him an extra number of men, some of 
whom were by no means in a condition, as far as their health 
was concerned, of sustaining any fatigue or an exposure to the 
keenness of the night air. This was very soon verified on the 
first day’s journey, as it was found necessary to send some ,of 
them back to the ship, on account of their extreme weakness, 
and inability to draw the sledge. The weather was also very 
inauspicious for the travellers, the fog being very great, with 
the wind keen, but light, from the north east. 
