Having encamped on the main shore after a run of thirty-seven miles we set up a pole to ascertain the rise and fall of the water, which was repeated at every halting-place, and Hepburn was ordered to attend to the result.  We found the coast well covered with vegetation of moderate height, even in its outline, and easy of approach.  The islands are rocky and barren, presenting high cliffs of a columnar structure.  I have named the westernmost group of those we passed Berens’ Isles in honour of the Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the easternmost Sir Graham Moore’s Islands.  At the spot where we landed some mussel-shells and a single piece of seaweed lay on the beach; this was the only spot on the coast where we saw shells.  We were rejoiced to find the beach strewed with abundance of small driftwood none of it recent.

It may be remarked that the Copper-Mine River does not bring down any driftwood, nor does any other known stream except Mackenzie’s River, hence from its appearance on this part of the coast an easterly current may be inferred.  This evening we were all in high glee at the progress we had made; the disappearance of the ice and the continuance of the land in an eastern direction and our future prospects formed an enlivening subject of conversation.  The thermometer varied during the day between 43 and 45 degrees.  The fishing-nets were set but produced nothing.

On the 22nd we embarked at four A.M. and, having the benefit of a light breeze, continued our voyage along the coast under sail until eleven when we halted to breakfast and to obtain the latitude.  The coast up to this point presented the same general appearance as yesterday, namely a gravelly or sandy beach skirted by green plains, but as we proceeded the shore became exceedingly rocky and sterile and at last, projecting considerably to the northward, it formed a high and steep promontory.  Some ice had drifted down upon this cape which we feared might check our progress but, as the evening was fine, we ventured upon pushing the canoes through the small channels formed among it.  After pursuing this kind of navigation with some danger and more anxiety we landed and encamped on a smooth rocky point whence we perceived with much satisfaction that the ice consisted only of detached pieces which would be removed by the first breeze.  We sounded in seventeen fathoms close to the shore this day.  The least depth ascertained by the lead since our departure from the river was six fathoms, and any ship might pass safely between the islands and the main.  The water is of a light green colour but not very clear and much less salt than that of the Atlantic, judging from our recollection of its taste.  In the course of the day we saw geese and ducks with their young and two deer, and experienced very great variations of temperature from the light breezes blowing alternately from the ice and the land.  The name of Lawford’s Islands was bestowed on a group we passed in the course of the day as a mark of my respect for Vice-Admiral Lawford, under whose auspices I first entered the naval service.