PACIFIC AND BEERLNG'S STRAIT. 297 



The determination of this great geographical ques- chap 

 tion is undoubtedly important ; but though it sets a 

 boundary to the new continent, and so far diminishes Oct- 

 the difficulties attending an attempt to effect a pas- 

 sage from the Pacific to the Atlantic, yet it leaves the 

 practicability of the north-west passage nearly as 

 doubtful as ever ; and it is evident that it cannot be 

 otherwise, until the obstructions set forth in Captain 

 Parry's voyage are removed, as it would avail little to 

 be able to reach Hecla and Fury Strait, provided that 

 channel were always impassable. 



From what has been set forth, in the foregoing nar- 

 rative of our proceedings, it is nearly certain that, by 

 watching the opportunity, a vessel may reach Point 

 Barrow, and in all probability proceed beyond it. 

 Had we been permitted to make this attempt, we 

 should no doubt be able to speak more positively upon 

 this subject ; and, as I have always been of opinion 

 that a navigation may be performed along any coast 

 of the Polar Sea that is continuous, I can see no insur- 

 mountable ol)stacle to the exploit. In this attempt, 

 however, it is evident that a vessel must be prepared 

 to encounter very heavy pressure from the ice, and 

 must expect, on the ice closing the coast to the west- 

 ward of Point Barrow, which it unquestionably would 

 with every strong westerly wind, to be driven on shore 

 in the manner in which our boat was in 1826. 



As regards the question, whether it be advisable to 

 attempt the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 

 the advantage of being able to pursue the main land 

 with certainty from Icy Cape is unquestionably great ; 

 and the recollection that in that route every foot gained 

 to the eastward is an advance towards the point 

 whence supplies and succour may be obtained, is a 



