650 THE UNIVERSE. 



Instead of finding, as he advanced towards the pole, a 

 more and more rigorous climate, Captain Morton beheld the 

 bloom of a new spring, and life, instead of becoming ex- 

 tinct, appeared to revive. The boreal flora became richer, 

 and at the same time immense flocks of ducks, sea-gulls, 

 and other birds plunged into the waves or sported upon the 

 shores. But very soon after, the indefatigable traveller, 

 vanquished by obstacles, and exhausted by so many fa- 

 tigues, yet transported with the view of the sombre polar 

 sea which he had just discovered, with a failing hand 

 planted his flag upon a cape which had never been reached 

 by the foot of man ; and then, pale and wearied, saluted 

 that ocean which no vessel had yet ploughed, and after a 

 few hours of repose commenced the arduous task of re 

 turning. 



