BABENTSZ’S VOYAGE. 
269 
lie had been lame, as the Laplanders and Finlanders 
generally do.” The Hollanders pursued but could not 
overtake him. Two reindeer were seen, which also 
fled. There was much herbage on the land, flowers of 
every colour, some of them of fine odour; and lawns, 
the covering of which was more like moss than grass. 
Much wood lay heaped on the shores, whole trees large 
enough to have served for masts and yards if there had 
been occasion. Some lay far above any high water 
mark, which was probably effected by ice being forced 
on the land by the sea, and other ice. 
The ships proceeded to the S.E. and South, anchor¬ 
ing at times. 
A correct description of the navigation in Waigatz 
Strait is not to be expected from the early accounts. 
Some things are doubtfully expressed, and could not 
be explained without danger of mistake ; but many 
useful particulars of information may be collected with 
safety. The imperfection of our present knowledge of 
this Strait may be imagined, from the charts lately 
constructed differing something more than two degrees 
in the latitude of Waigatz Island. 
The 22nd they proceeded to the Southward, anchor¬ 
ing at times along the Western coast of Waigatz 
Island. At noon the latitude was observed G0° 45'N. 
In the evening they had a fresh wind at East, and 
sailed by land which they could not clearly ascertain 
