The Sun.
London, England, 1823-10-24 00:00:00

THE DISCOVERY SHIPS.

We have already announced the arrival at
Deptford of the Fury and the Beau Discovery
Ships. Yesterday we visited both vessels for
the purpose of ascertaining by personal inspec-
tion the ravages which the absence of two years
and a half, and the rigour of the Frigid Zone,
had made among our intrepid and daring navi-
gators. The ship that we first visited was of
course the Fury, Captain PARRY, and on reach-
ing the vessel we could perceive no trace of the
many hard and severe knocks that must have
been met with in traversing unknown seas, stir-
roweled by ice, and ultimately sealed hermeti-
caily in that cold substance. The exterior of the
ship had not the least appearance of the rigours
that had been sustained, nor did the interior at all
display any effect of having been so long the
abode of, human beings. All was clean and neat,
and every thing in the greatest order. In the cabin
were several 'trifling curiosities collected from
the Esquimaux, and a small hand-organ, which,
we understand, beguiled many a lonely hour,
and enabled the " Hearts of Oak" to "trip it on
the light fantastic toe," if not exactly with that
grace which it is shewn at Almack's, probably
with more content and satisfaction. There were
also some small boxes hi which the trace of tailed
remained that had been grown, as in the former
voyage, by and under the direction of Captain
PARRY. On visiting the Theta similar appear-
traces presented themselves. In Captain LYON'S
CObill were some models of Esquimaux canoes,
and some other articles obtained by barter from
those inoffensive people. Over the stove is placed
a small miniature of our gracious SOY/REIGN:—
From one of the beams is suspended the
figiire of a Scarnmouch, similar to what is seen
in the toy-shops, and, on pulling the string, the
shapes in which the figure is placed, afforded,
we are told, much amusement to the Esqni-
mtrux. In both cabins are the head and shoul-1
dens of the sea-lion, as separated from the body
of the animal. In the jolly-boat on the deck
of the Eccles were four fine Esquimaux clogs,
which Were very tame. They do not bark, but
have a-peculiar growl, different from other ani.
mrds of that species; one had been pupped with-
out a tail, and in the litter from whence it case
there were three with the same defect. Having
thus very briefly described the interior of
each ship, which cannot be too much praised
for the cleanliness and carefulness they dis-
play, we should state the appearance of the
officers and crew, which is, that, they bear
not the smallest trace of having undergone
either fatigue, or privations of any description.
Joy gladdened the face of each individual, while
contentment apparently pervaded each breast.—
One of the crew observed, that he and all his
messmates had been worse in health since they
had reached England than all the time they
were absent, owing, as he supposed, and, in our
opinion, correctly, to the enjoyment of vege-
tables. The number of spectators to view the
ships was immense ; some, like ourselves, from
curiosity, and others to congratulate their rela-
tives end friends. All decent persons who
presented themselves were instantly admitted on
board, and every facility for gratifying curiosity
was given that appeared consistent and proper.
We cannot conclude this account without ex-
pressing our approbation of the comforts that
have been provided for these hardy and daring
navigators, which every way reflect the greatest
credit on the country, and on those who have the
management of the best bulwark it possesses—
its Navy.

CAPTAIN PAItItY'S DISCOVERIES.—Ws have
received a number of interesting particulars respecting a
tribe of Esquimaux Indians discovered by Captain Parry,
who had never had any communication with Europeans
—They are copper.coloured, of ordinary stature, anti have.
long black hair with black eyes. They seem to have no
idea of war ; they have no chiefs, nor are there any in•
dividuals among them who appear to possess authority
over the rest. They observe a form of marriage ; but if
any one is sufficiently expert in hunting or providing provi.
sons to support two wives, there is no obstacle. They are in the
habit of exchanging their wives for a time ; and this practice, so
far from being considered disreputable, is esteemed a mark of
great friendship, and it is not unfrequent to make permanent ex-
chomps. They possess a number of large dogs, which are co.
vered with fine soft wool instead of hair ; of these Capt. Parry
has brought home 16. They have no religion, nor any conception
of a Deity ; but they believe in the existence of evil spirits,
with which some among them, more cunning titan the rest,
pretend to hold intercourse. Captain Parry anti his companions
resided among them for several months, and acquired some
knowledge of their language, which bears a strong resemblance
to the Chinese. They form huts in the snow to live in, and burn
oil for the purpose of obtaining light. Their dwellings arc, by
this process, rendered at once warm and damp, and the transition
occasioned by their coming out into the cold air, is apt to produce
inflammation in the lungs, which is frequently fatal. Their
persons are never washed, and, on this account, during the
summer, their smell is very offensive, and they are much an.
noyed by vermin. They make their needles and implements
for hunting of bone. They seemed to value things according
to their utility ; and hence, articles of iron andln num needleslT, of
tour
manufacture, were bigblY PriZed bY them. •
appeared to be about They-had no connexion with any
other tribe ; but they had heard of the American Indians, and
held them in great terror.—( Tyne Meroiry.)