CHAPTER III

Early nineteenth century. Ross and Parry, May 3, 1818. Object of voyage, search for Northwest Passage through Davis Strait and explore bays and channels described by Baffin.—Met natives near Melville Bay.—The discovery by Ross of the famous Crimson Cliffs.—Enters Lancaster Sound.—Advance barred by imaginary Crocker Mountains.—Return of expedition to England.—Buchan and Franklin North Polar expedition _via_ Greenland and Spitzbergen.—_Dorothea_ and _Trent_ in Magdalena Bay, June 3, 1818.—Reached high latitude of 80° 37´ N.—Course directed to east coast of Greenland.—Disastrous battle with the ice.—_Dorothea_ disabled.—Hasty return to England 29