| Reference number | MS/257/5/105 |
| Alternative reference number | Sa.1785 |
| Previous numbers | ES5/20/1785 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Edward Whymper, Copenhagen to Edward Sabine |
| Date | 18 November 1872 |
| Description | Whymper expresses his anger at not being able to get to Hare Island in 1867 to ‘examine the strata’ which Sabine thought would be ‘fossiliferous’, and therefore was adamant to visit on his next journey. Whymper describes his journey to Hare Island starting from Noursak. Includes description of the land, and remarks on collecting leaves and specimens. Whymper describes visiting Netluarsuk on the mainland of the Noursak Peninsula, prior to travelling to Hare Island, where he collected a ’considerable’ amount of fossil leaves the same age as the Atanakerdluk beds. Discussion regarding the fossil bed at Netluarsuk.
Description of the eastern and southern shores of Disco Island [Disko Island]. Whymper notes that almost all of the sandstones are fossiliferous. On the east coast ‘nothing more than impressions of stems can be obtained’, however, on the southern shore ‘leaves can be found everywhere’.
Whymper informs Sabine he has evidence which suggests that north Greenland was ‘under sea in recent times up to above 3000 feet’. Whymper describes collecting ‘marine shells, arctic types’ in 1867 in Disco bay, and compares with his collection during this visit.
Discussion regarding the Umenak [Uummannaq] fiord. Description regarding the height of mountains in Greenland.
Before leaving Godhavn [also known as Qeqertarsuaq] Whymper ‘procured a fine osprey’, and according to Whymper ‘this is the first time the bird has been found in Greenland’, as well as a Larus Sabini [Sabine’s gull] ‘rarely found in Danish Greenland’. |
| Extent | 8p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| Physical description | Ink on paper |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8279 | Sabine; Sir; Edward (1788 - 1883) | 1788 - 1883 |