It is hoped that the aim here designated has been accomplished; and that, in the abridged narrative of Parry's Voyages, there will be found matter, not only to interest the reader for amusement, but also to improve. The scenes and adventures recorded by the navigator are in the highest degree novel and remarkable; and it cannot be other than profitable to know what perils were encountered, what courage, firmness, and ingenuity were displayed, what moral and physical influences were developed, and what triumphs of human skill were achieved, in the progress of voyages undertaken solely to advance the interests of science.
Passage across the Atlantic.--Enter Davis's Strait.--Unsuccessful Attempt to penetrate the Ice to the Western Coast.--Voyage up the Strait.--Passage through the Ice to the Western Coast.--Arrival off Possession Bay, on the Southern Side of the Entrance into Sir James Lancaster's Sound.
Entrance into Sir James Lancaster's Sound of Baffin.--Uninterrupted Passage to the Westward.--Discovery and Examination of Prince Regent's Inlet.--Progress to the Southward stopped by Ice.--Return to the Northward.--Pass Barrow's Strait, and enter the Polar Sea.
Favourable Appearances of an open Westerly Passage.--Land to the Northward, a Series of Islands.--General Appearance of them.--Meet with some Obstruction from low Islands surrounded with Ice.--Remains of Esquimaux Huts, and natural Productions of Byam Martin Island.--Tedious Navigation from Fogs and Ice.--Difficulty of Steering a Proper Course.--Arrival and Landing on Melville Island.--Proceed to the Westward, and reach the Meridian of 110° W. Long., the first Stage in the Scale of Rewards granted by Act of Parliament.
Further Examination of Melville Island.--Continuation of our Progress to the Westward.--Long detention by the Ice.--Party sent on Shore to hunt Deer and Musk-oxen.--Return in three Days, after losing their Way.--Anxiety on their Account.--Proceed to the Westward till finally stopped by the Ice.--In returning to the Eastward, the Griper forced on the Beach by the Ice.--Search for, and Discovery of, a Winter Harbour on Melville Island.--Operations for securing the Ships in their Winter Quarters.
Precautions for securing the Ships and Stores.--For promoting Good Order, Cleanliness, Health, and Good-Humour among the Ships' Companies.--Establishment of a Theatre and of the North Georgia Gazette.--Erection of an Observatory on Shore.--Commence our Winter's Amusements.--State of the Temperature, and various Meteorological Phenomena.--Miscellaneous Occurrences to the Close of the Year 1819.