at the moral effect thus
produced, adds in no small degree to the preservation of that
discipline which is so necessary for the comfort and welfare of a
ship's company.

In corroboration of the above, we cannot do better than quote the
words of Sir Edward Parry:--'And I do not speak lightly when I express
my thorough persuasion that to the moral effect thus produced upon the
minds of the men were owing to a very high degree the constant yet
sober cheerfulness, the uninterrupted good order, and even in some
measure the extraordinary state of health which prevailed among us
during winter.'

With the amusement before mentioned, varied now and then, as the days
grew longer, by the excitement of killing a bear, entrapping foxes,
or shooting grouse, the men continued to pass the winter months. To
the officers, higher and more intellectual enjoyments were afforded by
making observations, studying astronomy, and witnessing the brilliant
appearance of the Aurora Borealis.

About the end of March, or beginning of April, 1825, thin flakes of
snow, lying upon painted wood or metal, exposed to the sun's direct
rays, began to melt. These signs of returning spring were hailed as
indications of their approaching deliverance from their winter
quarters. Towards the middle of June, information was brought that the
sea was clear of ice about twenty miles from Port Bowen. On the 12th
of July, the ice began to break away, leaving the ship about one mile
and a quarter from the open sea. All hands were set to work to saw
through this barrier, the men being employed from seven in the
morning, till seven in the evening. On the 19th, after the most
incessant labour, which was performed with the greatest cheerfulness
and alacrity, Captain Parry had the satisfaction of seeing the two
vessels once more floating in their proper element.

After a winter of unusual severity, but of unprecedented good health,
they sailed out of Port Bowen on the 20th of July, the expedition
being in every respect in the most perfect condition, and the season
remarkably forward and fine. Pushing over to the west coast of Prince
Regent's Inlet, which it was Captain Parry's intention to coast
northward and then westward, till they could strike off to the
continental shore, the prospect seemed as favourable as could possibly
be expected. The season continued unusually warm, and channels of open
water always occurred along the shore with particular winds. The ice
was e