cxxviii GENERAL SUMMARY OF SCIENTIFIC AND 



depths and distribution of temperature were not very diflferent from 

 the anticipations previously formed. 



Magnetic observations were made at various points in Iceland 

 and the Faroe Islands. 



Under the leadership of the celebrated arctic explorer Professor 

 Nordenskjold, an exjDedition has been at work during the past sum- 

 mer having for its main object the survey of the navigable waters 

 between the Obi, Yenisei, and Norway. 



This work has been successfully completed, and Professor Nor- 

 denskjold states that the navigability of the rivers may be con- 

 sidered as practically established, and that it is practicable to 

 maintain trade communication between the different portions of 

 the Kara and the Y^'enisei. 



The Kara Sea was found free of ice between September 2d and 

 7th, and a new island was discovered at the mouth of the Y'enisei, in 

 73 N. latitude, which has been named Sibiriakoff Island. On both 

 sides of it the water is deep and free from shallows, and the island 

 will form a valuable protection against northwest winds and sea. 



Professor Nordenskjold concludes his interesting report of his 

 summer's work by expressing his conviction, shared by the walrus- 

 hunters whom he consulted, that a regular sea communication 

 between Siberia and Northern Europe during a short season of 

 the year ought not to be attended with greater risks and dangers 

 than seamen encounter on many other waters now yearly visited 

 by thousands of vessels. 



