286 
A VOYAGE TO SPITZBEBGEN . 
known, in hopes of finding there a clear sea which 
would admit of their sailing Eastward. Rijp would 
not yield, and Barentsz, rather than part company, 
followed him. On the 9th of June, in 74° 30 
latitude, they discovered land, which proved to he 
an island about five leagues in extent. Here they 
anchored; and on account of a combat they had 
with a large white bear, named it Beeren-eilandt. 
From Beeren-eilandt they sailed on Northward, 
and the 19th they discovered another and larger land. 
Their latitude observed that day was 80° 11'. They 
sailed along the coast of this land South-westward in 
search of anchorage, to latitude 79° 30', and found 
good harbour, where they anchored in 18 fathoms. 
“ This land, the most Northern which to this time 
has been discovered in the world, has nevertheless 
verdure and herbage. The animals seen here are 
white bears, some larger than oxen ; reindeer, who 
feed on moss, and become so fat, that their flesh 
is excellent eating ; here are also foxes, white, grey, 
and some black. It was the difference between 
Willem Barentsz and Cornelisz Rijp that gave rise 
to the discovery of this land. It is named by 
the Hollanders Spilberg or Spitzbergen,* which 
signifies spindle or sharp-pointed mountains.” 
* “ Rec. des Voyages de la Comp.” Vol. i. p. 93, et seq. 
