128 REAR-ADMIRAL F. W. BEECHEY'S ADDRESS. [Mat 2G, 1856. 



the result of this voyage, and anxious to remove an erroneous imprcs- 

 sion conveyed by Sir John Eoss on the subject of Lancaster Sound, 

 he made such representations to the Admiralty as induced Govern- 

 ment to send another expedition to the same place. Of this expedi- 

 tion Sir E. Parry was appointed chief. During the voyage, an 

 opportunity occurred for displaying that vigour and determination 

 in overcoming difficulties, which, though they might daunt the 

 generality of men, were unable to turn him from his purpose. In the 

 upper part of Baffin Bay there presented itself what appeared to be 

 an impenetrable barrier of ice; undismayed by the dangers that 

 threatened, he dashed into the midst of it, accomplished his purpose, 

 and entering Lancaster Sound in safety, succeeded in passing over 

 that imaginary chain of mountains with which Ross had closed the 

 strait. 



The demolition of these phantom mountains, and the discovery of 

 the opening into the Polar Sea on the west, of Prince Pegent Inlet 

 on the south, and of Wellington Channel on tlie north, together with 

 Parry Islands (the Ultima Thule of Arctic discovery) and Banks 

 Land, the terminating points of Sir E. Parry's and Sir R. M'Clure's ex- 

 plorations from opposite directions, were the consequences of the first 

 summer of this expedition. Having passed the meridian 110° W., 

 the Commander and his associates became entitled to the award of 

 5000/. offered by Government for the encouragement of Arctic enter- 

 prise. The winter they were destined to pass in this dreary region 

 afforded another opportunity for Parry to display those qualities 

 which so eminently fitted him for the work he had selected, since, 

 by his admirable arrangements for the health, comfort, and amuse- 

 ment of his men, he was enabled to keep the crews in vigour, 

 mental and bodily, while, by the vast number of observations he 

 carried on, he determined his geographical position with a precision 

 worthy of a better object. 



In the following spring, by an overland journey, he discovered 

 Liddon Gulf, where his broken cart remained to be seen by M'Clin- 

 tock, thirty years afterwards. Finding any farther advance with 

 his ship impossible, he determined in the latter part of the summer 

 of 1820 to return to England, where he arrived in safety, and received, 

 on all sides, a most enthusiastic greeting. He had but little rest, 

 however, for in the May following he was again appointed to com- 

 mand another expedition, which was to proceed by way of Hudson 

 Strait and Sir T. Rowe's Welcome. Although this voyage, like the 

 last, failed in its main object, much valuable geographical know- 



