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of the ice was in constant motion and what was left of the land floe was covered
with puddles of water. Under such conditions the best hunter may be excused for
not trying or for failing when he does try. When the entry for July 27th tells
us that even so Maurer secured three seals, we realize that not only are they
complete masters of the technique of hunting but also that the period of over-
confidence is past. They are now taking advantage of every opportunity, instead
of the former easy assurance that game will turn up whenever it is needed. Still,
they are by no means obsessed with the necessity for hunting, for the entry of
July 29th relates that Maurer hunted and killed three seals while Crawford made a
journey west along the coast to take soundings in Doubtful Harbor and apparently
to make a survey of the coast. This was quite as it should be, for the best judge
of arctic conditions would have seen nothing serious in the situation of the party
at this time. The survey of Doubtful Harbor showed that ships could enter draw-
ing four fathoms or more and that the shelter was good from all winds but westerly.

On August 9th Crawford, Galle and Maurer set out on another
exploratory journey along the coast to the east and north. Before they left
walrus had been seen occasionally but the ice conditions had not been suitable
for pursuing them. The day they started was foggy, and Knight could hear a large
number of walrus snorting off to seaward somewhere but was unable to see them.
The next day the walrus were also about and a large, fat bear walked into camp
to be killed by Knight with one shot. The exploratory party party returned in four
days, having gone no farther than Skeleton River. Apparently the main purpose
was a geological reconnaissance and they turned back largely because of the
continual rains.

August 16th "a large bear was seen on the ice offshore from camp
and it took to the water, coming in towards camp. We lined up along the beach and
killed it. A large, very fat bear."

The 17th was "The finest day we have had for a long time. The