LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
529 
Esquimaux, when they saw the latter haul, plunged into the 
water, and began to ladle out the fish with their hands, uttering 
the loudest exclamations of joy, and clapping their hands in an 
extasy of delight. This mode of fishing with the net, had never 
before been witnessed by these people, nor could they be 
brought at first to comprehend in what manner the fish were 
caught, particularly those, which had got entangled in the net. 
It, however, gave them a distaste to their own method of fishing; 
for the contrast appeared so great, between bringing out a so¬ 
litary fish, and hauling them out by hundreds, that it opened, 
as it were, a new era upon them, and implanted certain ideas in 
their minds, which might afterwards contribute, in a most 
important degree, to their personal welfare. 
The fishing party arrived at the ship, on the 23rd, bringing 
with them the sledges, laden with a cargo of prime fresh salmon, 
the average weight of which was 3 tbs. 2 oz. The party, after 
a night’s rest, took their departure from the ship, accompanied 
by some additional hands, and two sledges. The crew on board, 
were employed in cleaning, washing, and pickling the fish in 
vinegar, and in the course of the day, they had deposited in 
their casks, 389; reserving a certain number of the fish fresh for 
present use. 
We have already cursorily hinted at the deleterious effects, 
which these salmon, pickled in vinegar, had upon the health of 
the crew, in consequence of their having been prepared in 
copper vessels, of which the tin lining had been worn off. In 
the present instance, it was most difficult to account for the 
obstinacy of Capt. Ross, in persevering to have the fish cured in 
utensils, of which the injurious effects had been already experi¬ 
enced, and which actually extended to that alarming length, as 
to endanger the lives of the men. It was not many days after 
the fish had been cured, that the effects of the copper were dis¬ 
tinguishable upon the fish ; and it was so evident that they 
were not safe to eat, that the whole stock was condemned, and 
thrown upon the beach. It was not, however, the immediate 
loss of the fish, that excited some regret; for, at that particular 
period, the supply of fresh provisions was so abundant, arising 
23 . 3 y 
