We attributed the want of greater success to the entrance of some seals into the mouth of the river.

Embarking at six A.M.
we paddled against a cold breeze until the spreading of a thick fog caused us to land.

The rocks here consisted of a beautiful mixture of red and gray granite, traversed from north to south by veins of red felspar which were crossed in various directions by smaller veins filled with the same substance.
At noon the wind coming from a favourable quarter tempted us to proceed, although the fog was unabated.

We kept as close as we could to the main shore but, having to cross some bays, it became a matter of doubt whether we had not left the main and were running along an island.

Just as we were endeavouring to double a bold cape the fog partially cleared away and allowed us an imperfect view of a chain of islands on the outside, and of much heavy ice which was pressing down upon us.