20 ^ KANE. [Jan. 14, 1856. 



marked on the confirmation by Dr. Rae of some of the discoveries of 

 Captain Inglefield. 



Colonel Sabine referred to the remarkable facts mentioned by Dr. 

 Kane of the great variations of temperature in places in immediate 

 proximity in the Arctic regions, and concluded from this, and from 

 similar facts observed in other parts of the Arctic regions, that in the 

 high latitudes local temperature and productions were dependent on 

 local influences rather than latitude. 



Captain Washington said : Iti common with all interested in Arctic 

 discovery, I beg to express my admiration of the indomitable perseve- 

 rance and the unflinching courage, under difficulties of no ordinary 

 character, that have been exhibited by Dr. Kane and his gallant crew 

 in the expedition of which we have heard an account this evening ; 

 and' when we consider that these labours and privations were undergone 

 in the sacred cause of humanity, in the search after our missing coun- 

 trymen, I feel it difficult to find words to convey my heartfelt appre- 

 ciation of their heroic exertions and their patient endurance. In answer 

 to a remark of the President as to my opinion with respect to an 

 open Polar Sea, I should not have ventured, in the presence of so many 

 experienced Arctic navigators who are assembled in this hall, to express 

 any opinion on the subject ; but as the question has been put to me, I 

 must not shrink from stating my conviction that every fresh fact is in 

 favour of such a theory. Barentz in 1597, and two centuries and a 

 half later Wrangel, found open sea off" Siberia, and Parry off" Spitzber- 

 gen ; Penny and Belcher report the same appearance in Victoria 

 Channel ; and now Dr. Kane adds his testimony to the rest. It is 

 difficult to resist the weight of such evidence. 



Captain Ommanney and Lord Ellesmere having expressed their 

 admiration of the manner in which Dr. Kane had conducted the Expe- 

 dition, the Meeting broke up. 



