166 Analysis of Scientific Books and Memoirs. 



It is obvious from the preceding observations, computed with those for- 

 merly made by Captain Parry, that the magnetic pole is somewhere about 

 70° west latitude, and 90° west longitude ; but what is of more importance, 

 it is obvious, that, since 1819, the magnetic pole has moved consider ably to- 

 wards the east, according to the ingenious theory of Professor Hansteen, 

 which supposes a motion of 11' eastward every year, which would give a 

 motion of 1°6 in six years. — See this Journal, No. ix. p. 67. 



2. Meteorological Observations. 



The determination of the mean temperature of the arctic regions in a me- 

 ridian nearly at right angles to that which passes through the coast of Eu- 

 rope, has, in our apprehension, been one of the most important results of 

 the voyages under Captain Parry, and, in a scientific point of view, well 

 worthy of all the labour and expence which the expedition has cost. * 



The year 1824 was considered by Captain Parry as more severe than 

 former years, in proportion to the latitude of the station. The following 

 are the mean temperatures of the months in 1824 and 1825 : 



1824. 



1325. 



Mean Temp, of year at Port Bowen. + 4*.034 



By comparing this with the results formerly obtained by Captain Parry 

 and Dr Richardson, we have 



Lat. Mean Temp. • Lat. Mean Temp. 



Melville Island, 75'45 — 1°.7 Igloolik, 66 + 6°.5 



Port Bowen, 73 15 +4 .04 Fort Enterprise, 64 + 14 .21 



Winter Island, 69 19 +2.6 



At Port Bowen the coldest month was January, and the difference in 

 the mean temperature of January, February, and March, was little more 

 than a degree. The thermometer did not rise above zero till the 11th of 

 April, having remained below that point of the scale for 131 successive 

 days, the only instance of this kind which Captain Parry ever knew. 

 This severity of weather, however, was compensated by the unusual 

 mildness of the early part of the winter. i 



The Aurora Borealis, one of the principal meteors which enliven an arctic 

 winter, occurred frequently at Port Bowen, viz. 



Twice in October 1824. Fifteen times in January 1825. 



Five times November Thirteen do. February 



Six do. December Five do. March 



in all 47 times. They assumed one general character, and occupied near* 



