This ice forms in the winter in vast quantities in the myriads of inlets and bays on both sides of the straits.

The spring breaks it up, and the high tides beat it in pieces.

It is rare that a vessel can enter the straits during June for the out-coming ice; but by July it has become sufficiently broken up and dispersed to allow of an entrance by keeping close up to the northern side, which has always been found to be freest from ice in July and August; while, on coming out in September, it is best to hug the southern main (land) as closely as possible.
On our voyage up we had taken great pains to read and compare every account we could find regarding both the ice and the general character of the straits.

Our plan was to make Cape Resolution, wait for a fair wind, and slip into the straits early in the day, so as to get as far up as possible ere night came on.

A person who has never been there can form no idea of the tremendous force with which the tide sets into the straits, the velocity of the currents, and the amazing smash they made among the ice.....