CHAPTER IV

1819-1827. Parry’s first voyage.—Object, to survey Lancaster Sound and prove the non-existence of Crocker Mountains.—Discovery of new lands.—Parry Islands.—Attains longitude 110° W., thereby winning the bounty of five thousand pounds offered by Parliament.—Winters near Melville Island. Second voyage.—Ships _Hecla_ and _Fury_.—Examines Duke of York Bay and Frozen Strait of Middleton.—Winters off Lyon Inlet.—Sledge journeys.—Object, to make Northwest Passage _via_ Prince Regent Inlet.—Reached Port Bowen.—Ten months’ imprisonment.—Destruction of the _Fury_.—Hasty return to England. Fourth voyage.—Purpose to reach the Pole _via_ Spitzbergen with sledge boats over ice.—_Hecla_ as transport.—Parry’s farthest 82° 45´ N. reached, June 23, 1827 41