eeze from the southeast. The ice was closely
packed, against the land near the passage I had intended to try,
and as it appeared slack to the eastward, I determined to run
between the southeast point of Baffin Island and the smaller
islands lying off it. The wind drawing more to the eastward as we
approached the channel, we had several tacks to make in getting
through, but carried a good depth of water on each side, though
its breadth does not exceed three quarters of a mile. As we now
advanced to the northward, we found less and less obstruction, the
main body of the ice having been carried to the southward and
eastward by the late gale, which had in so extraordinary a manner
drifted us in the same direction. This was one of the opportunities
I have before described as the most favourable that ever occur for
making progress in these seas. We had, therefore, a fine run during
the day along the east side of Sturges Bourne Islands; for, having
found the passages between them still choked with ice, we were
obliged to run to the northward with the hope of attaining our
present object, till it was time to look out for an anchorage.
Having first sent the boats to sound, we hauled into a small
bay, where we anchored at dusk in seventeen fathoms, good
holding-ground, though the bottom was so irregular that we had
from five to thirteen close upon our quarter.

We had now once more approached a part of the coast, of which the
thorough and satisfactory examination could not possibly be
carried on in the ships, without incurring constant and, perhaps,
useless risk, and a certain and serious loss of time. I
determined, therefore, to proceed at once upon this service in two
boats, one from each ship. Having communicated my intentions to
Captain Lyon, and requested him to move the ships, when
practicable, into some more secure situation, I left the Fury,
accompanied by Mr. Ross and Mr. Sherer, taking with us our tents,
blankets, and stove, together with four days' provisions and fuel.

CHAPTER IV.

Hoppner's Inlet entered and surveyed by the Boats.--Continuity of
Land there determined.--Proceed to examine another Opening leading
to the Westward.--Favourable Appearance of a continued Passage in
that direction.--Meet with some Esquimaux.--Arrival in Ross Bay,
being the Termination of Lyon Inlet.--Discovery and Examination of
various Creeks.--Return to the Ships, after finding the Land
entirely continuous.--Some Account of the