LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
567 
an eminence, the acclivity of which was so steep, that they 
could not climb it, to their great surprise they beheld at some 
distance two of the natives, who appeared to be busily employed 
in making - a hole in the snow, but for what particular purpose 
they could not conjecture. It was generally believed on board 
the Victory, that the natives had emigrated from that part of 
the country, they having been last seen on their way from their 
toopiks to Nichilli ; and, therefore, the cause of their sudden 
appearance, and in so small a number, as well as in a quarter 
where there was scarcely any thing to invite them, excited 
greatly the curiosity of the two officers, and they resolved to 
watch their motions, as the result might lead them to a further 
knowledge of some of the habits of these semi-savages, whose 
general character, as the acquaintance increased, by no means 
rose in the estimation of those, who had any dealings with 
them. 
The natives were seen to cut out several large slabs of snow, 
and having penetrated almost to the ground, they were observed 
to throw something into the hole, and then to place the slabs 
of snow over it, stamping them dovrn with their feet, and con¬ 
tinuing this process, until all the slabs were replaced, after 
which, having well stamped upon the whole, they left the place, 
directing their route towards Nichilli. 
It was a question now between the officers, whether they 
should hasten after the natives, and ask from them an explana¬ 
tion of their sudden visit to this particular part of the country ; 
or, whether they should allow them to proceed on their way 
unmolested, and then examine the place, in which they had 
hidden either some of their food or their treasures. As to any 
personal acquaintance with them, there was little to be gained 
or expected from them; and were they to come to the know¬ 
ledge of their motions having been watched, they might perhaps 
adopt such measures as to frustrate the discovery of the actual 
business, on which they had been employed. They, therefore, 
determined to allow the natives to pursue their course, without 
any intimation of their having been seen : but unluckily, at 
this time, a covey of grouse rose at a short distance from Mr. 
