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"On the 10th, the continuance of the gale, and of the fog more opaque, if possible,
than before, and more wet, were not only productive of irksome detention, but they
prevented us from taking exercise; our walks being confined to a space between the marks
which the Esquimaux had put up on two projecting points, whither we went at every glimpse
of clearness, to examine into the state of the waves. We witnessed with regret, in these
short rambles, the havoc which this dreary weather made amongst the flowers. Many that had
been blooming on our arrival, were now lying prostrate and withered. These symptoms of
decay could not fail painfully to remind us that the term of our operations was fast
approaching; and often, at this time, did every one express a wish that we had some decked
vessel, in which the provision could be secured from the injury of salt water, and the crew
sheltered when they required rest, that we might quit this shallow coast, and steer at once
towards Icy Cape. The annexed sketch taken by Lieutenant Back, conveys a better picture of our encampment, and of the murkiness of the atmosphere, than any description of mine could do, and points out the propriety of designating this dreary place by the name of Foggy Island. As an instance of the illusion occasioned by the fog I may mention that our hunters sallied forth, on more than one occasion, to fire at what they supposed to be deer, on the bank about one hundred yards from the tents, which, to their surprise, took wing, and proved to be cranes and geese." |
