Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/124

74 On the side of the bay within, where he had his tents, a species of wild grain was noticed, and a large spot free from trees. It was gratifying, however, thus to meet some token of our adventurous countrymen, even in such an inhospitable clime; a sensation only to be appreciated by wanderers like ourselves.

We found strawberries, whortleberries, blaeberries (arbutus), pigeonberries, and a small cranberry, in tolerable profusion, without going in search of them. On Wednesday, the 30th August, we prepared for sea, and took on board spars and firewood. I paid my final visit to the Resident, leaving him a further supply of comforts, for which he evinced much gratitude.

About two we weighed and beat out, the fort saluting as we passed.

Port Etches might furnish a most complete harbour, if vessels frequented these regions, or a station should ever be required in so high a latitude. The currents, however, between it and Montague Island, render it difficult of approach in light winds, and the Russian informed me that many sunken rocks lie off Cape Hinchinbroke. But as they designate a rock over which there may be ten or fifteen fathoms, a sunken rock, they probably allude to danger to ground tackle.

It was on one of these ledges that Ave anchored in seventeen fathoms, and on tripping had twelve before clearing the rocks.

The result of our observations at this port gives