Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/416

386 great insalar series, beginning with Cockburn Island, that lie off the north-east shores of America.

Many deer were seen on Victoria Land, some of which already appeared in their winter garb; and Arctic foxes and Alpine hares—the latter perfectly white—also abounded. Great white owls (strix nyctea) sat perched on every knoll, and on the borders of lakes numerous snow-geese had bred. Some pintailed and myriads of large brown sea-ducks were congregated along-shore, and the merriment of our crews was excited by seeing one of the latter rise with a long Esquimaux arrow protruding from her tail. We tried to shoot this queen-bird; but misfortune had rendered her wary, as she kept ahead of the rest of the flock, with small chance, howeyer, of reaching winter quarters.

At 8 A. M. on the 10th we quitted this noble coast, and, favoured by a strong E.S.E. or side wind, struck out for Cape Barrow, which, by computation, lay S.S.W., distant fifty miles. Old and worn-out as our little boats were, they crossed this truly magnificent strait in a style surpassing our most sanguine expectations. About midway a large seal, who was enjoying a comfortable siesta, his flippers turned to windward and