A voyage to Spitzbergen / containing an account of that country, of the zoology of the North; of the Shetland Islands; and of the whale fishery

by John Laing

Here, says the energetic Thomson,—

“Here winter holds his unrejoicing court;

And through his airy hall the loud misrule

Of driving tempest is for ever heard;

Here the grim tyrant meditates his wrath,

Here arms his winds with all subduing frost;

Moulds his fierce hail, and treasures up his snows,

With which he now oppresses half the globe.”

Spitzbergen has no settled inhabitants. It is, however, resorted to by parties of Russians, who, in turn, continue there throughout the year for the purpose of hunting, which they practise in all weathers. These hardy adventurers have erected huts adjacent to several of the harbours and bays, and are well provided with fuel, from the immense quantities of drifted wood that is every where to be found in the different creeks. Archangel supplies them with dried fish, rye-meal, and an abundant supply of whey, similar to, if not made in the same manner, as the Shetland beverage. This last constitutes their chief drink, and is likewise used in baking their bread. Their beds are principally composed of skins of the animals which they kill, and of these they also make garments, which they wear with the fur side next their bodies. The walrusses and seals afford them a plentiful store of their favourite delicacy, train-oil, and the bears, deers, and foxes, fall frequent victims to the dexterity of these excellent marksmen. They are at liberty to return to their native country towards the latter end of September, if not relieved by a fresh party before that time. Some of these Arctic hunters came on board our ship, and when set down to meat, they preferred a mess of biscuit and whale oil to all the dainties placed before them. Of this coarse repast they ate with a sufficiently healthful appetite, and in their own language pronounced it good. They had the complexion of Siberians, and were dressed in bear and deer skins. They had an athletic and vigorous appearance, though somewhat stiffened and cramped by the extreme cold to which they are exposed. During the time they were on board, and particularly while at meat, they behaved with a decorum and gentleness which could hardly be expected from their grotesque appearance: and the neatness of their fowling-pieces, boat-tackling, &c. manifested a taste and ingenuity of which the inhabitants of a more refined country need not be ashamed.