Captain Parry's intended Ea^pedition to the North Pole. 101 



proceed till they reached the latitude at 8T, where, under simi- 

 lar circumstances, they might leave a second sledge in charge of 

 Jour men, with as much provision as would serve these and the 

 returning party, till they reached the first establishment. The 

 third sledge could be left at the 89th degree, with Jive men, 

 whilst the three remaining with their hand-sledges, blankets, and 

 provisions, disburdened of every other incumbrance, might trudge 

 on to the Pole. 



In such a journey, the assistance of dogs or rein-deer would 

 be a very sensible advantage. These might be taken even as far 

 as the second establishment, and if land fortunately lies in such 

 a quarter, they might be kept to assist the returning expedition, 

 otherwise the want of provision would render it necessary to de- 

 stroy them, for it is not very probable that many fish can be 

 caught there for food to them. 



The advantages of such arrangements, if they could be effect- 

 ed, would be very sensibly felt ; for fresh assistance would be de- 

 rived from the lengthened journey. The first sledge, with a load 

 of provision, is left in charge of only three men, consequently 

 not only is the burden of the other two lightened, but two addi- 

 tional hands are added to drag these along. A diminution of 

 burden takes place also at the second establishment, when four 

 men are left in charge. The remaining eight with the last sledge 

 proceed to take up the position just sixty miles from the Pole : 

 three of the company travel the rest, with scarce any cum- 

 brance at all. Thus the burden diminishes whilst the ability to 

 bear it increases ; and, as the party returned, they would more 

 sensibly feel the benefit of such management, as each detach- 

 ment, refreshed and strengthened, would be in good condition 

 to yield their much-needed help to their weary associates. 



Further, if the unaccustomed toil should unfortunately dis- 

 able any one, rest might be obtained till health was re-establish- 

 ed, and the expedition relieved of any incumbrance which might 

 frustrate all their endeavours. 



But, perhaps, the idea of a firm continent of ice is chimerical. 

 Mayhap there is not an island, not even a rock, above water, 

 between Spitzbergen and the Pole : well, but most likely there 

 are such things, and if there are none, having such provisions 

 in store, the views of the expedition can be prosec'ated as easily 



