[30] This is the only point on which, it seems possible, to question the reasoning of Captain King, and that altogether on the ground of Mr McKenzie's discovery, which of course was not known to that officer. In virtue of that discovery, it seems obvious enough, that the implied necessity of the run from the Icy Cape to Baffin's Bay in one short season, according to the above argument, is reduced; though it would be erroneous, to say, that the importance of the discovery is such as very materially to modify the occasion for so great a navigation at one stretch. But enough perhaps has been said on a subject, which can scarcely be expected to claim more attention than it has done already, or which, if it be yet destined to prompt to farther undertakings, will do so for some such reasons, and on such grounds, as were formerly adverted to.--E.
[32] The reader may recollect that his attention was formerly directed to the same work, and for the same reason. It ought now to be remarked, that the subject has very recently attracted much attention by the additional enquiries and observations of Mr Scoresby, as communicated to the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh, and which are likely to lead to some important results.--E.
[33] It is worth while to remember that a corresponding observation as to the comparative prevalence of fogs during a northerly wind, was made in Cook's second voyage when navigating in a high south latitude.--E.
[34] But this opinion is not admitted by Mr Arrowsmith, who has given but one island in this position, as we have already mentioned.--E.
Return to the Harbour of Saint Peter and St Paul.--Promotion of Officers.-- Funeral of Captain Clerke.--Damages of the Discovery repaired.--Various other Occupations of the Ships' Crews.--Letters from the Commander.--Supply of Flour and Naval Stores from a Russian Galliot.--Account of an Exile.-- Bear-hunting and fishing Parties.--Disgrace of the Serjeant.--Celebration of the King's Coronation Day, and Visit from the Commander.--The Serjeant reinstated.--A Russian Soldier promoted at our Request.--Remarks on the Discipline of the Russian Army.--Church at Paratounca.--Method of Bear- hunting--Farther Account of the Bears and Kamtschadales.--Inscription to the Memory of Captain Clerke.--Supply of Cattle.--Entertainments on the Empress's Name Day.--Present from the Commander.--Attempt of a Marine to desert.--Work out of the Bay.--Nautical and Geographical Description of Awatska Bay.--Astronomical Tables and Observations.