Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/132

80 had been exposed to the sea, were excavated into arches, &c., similar to some of our chalk formations. The base of the point, named by Vancouver Point Riou, probably remains; but being free, for some distance, of the greater bergs, it presented only a low sand or muddy spit, with ragged dirty-coloured ice grounded. No island could be traced, and our interest was too deeply excited in seeking for it, to overlook such a desirable object.

On our inshore tack we had five fathoms and three quarters, and were therefore quite close enough to make certain of our remarks, short of actual contact, which the favourable breeze would not admit of without some more important results.

We edged along, keeping within a mile and a half of the shore, carrying from ten to fifteen fathoms, until night, when we bore away to cross Beering's Bay, and rejoin our consort in Port Mulgrave.

I perceive in Vancouver, (vol. iii. p. 204,) twenty-three fathoms was his nearest approach, and within one league. He also terms it " low, well-wooded, with a small detached islet, a little to the westward." Also, " Eastward from the steep cliffs that terminate this bay, and from whence the ice descends into the sea." It is very probable there has been a misreading of his manuscript, or that severer weather had covered his trees with ice, for we saw none, and that portion of the coast was examined with his voyage constantly before me, and the discrepancies discussed with our spy-glasses on the objects.