through this to a rocky hill proved longer than they had supposed, and was excessively fatiguing. To aggravate their sufferings, the day which had been fair and pleasant, became dark and chilly, with piercing winds and keen blasts of snow. When they had got about two thirds over the woody swamp, Mr. Buchan was seized with a fit, and could proceed no further. A fire was, therefore, kindled on the spot, and those who were most fatigued were left with him, while the rest pushed forward to the summit of the rock. Here the botanists obtained a rich variety of alpine plants; but they soon found that this treasure was dearly purchased. The cold became more intense, the snow showers more frequent; and the day being far spent, for it was three o'clock when they entered the swamp, it was found impossible to return to the ship that evening, so that they had now the cheerless prospect of spending the night among the bleak and desert mountains, amidst all the rigours of winter, although it was now the midsummer of that dreary region. Sending for Mr. Buchan and those that were left with him, they proceeded in a direction that seemed more favourable for crossing the swamp, and for reaching the wood and the shore. About eight o'clock in the evening, while it was yet good day light, they all met on a hill, Mr. Buchan being now greatly recovered; and from thence they set forward through the swamp for the nearest valley, to seek a place of shelter for the night; Mr. Banks bringing up the rear, to see that no straggler was left behind. Dr. Solander had warned all the party against the danger of being overcome with torpor, when travelling through snow amidst intense cold; repeating
