Lichens, stunted grass, saxifrage, and a feeble willow, are the plants of Melville Island, but in sheltered nooks there are found sorrel, poppy, and a yellow buttercup.

Halos and double suns are very common consequences of refraction in this quarter of the world.
Franklin returned from his first and most famous voyage with his men all safe and sound, except the loss of a few fingers, frost-bitten.

We sail back only as far as Regent's Inlet, being bound for Behring Strait.
The reputation of Sir John Ross being clouded by discontent expressed against his first expedition, Felix Booth, a rich distiller, provided seventeen thousand pounds to enable his friend to redeem his credit.

Sir John accordingly, in 1829, went out in the _Victory_, provided with steam-machinery that did not answer well.

He was accompanied by Sir James Ross, his nephew.