268 ARCTIC VOYAGES. Chap. VIII. 



tions have been so honourable to himself and satis- 

 factory to his employers ; but he is of too liberal a na- 

 ture to take amiss, on a matter of fact, what is well 

 meant, however it may differ from his own opinion. 

 Fully persuaded that none can rise from the perusal 

 of his ' Northern Voyages ' without being impressed 

 with a decided conviction that his merits as an 

 officer and scientific navigator are of the highest 

 order ; that his talents are not confined to his pro- 

 fessional duties; but that the resources of his mind 

 are equal to the most arduous situations, and fertile 

 in expedients under every circumstance, however 

 difficult, dangerous, or unexpected — such a man 

 may safely venture not merely to tolerate but even 

 to invite criticism, when candidly, honestly, and 

 faithfully offered. Parry's heart still continues to 

 cling to the accomplishment of a north-west pas- 

 sage, and most undoubtedly would put in practice 

 such measures as, in his opinion and experience, 

 he considers most likely to attain that object. He 

 says, — 



" I feel confident that the undertaking, if it be deemed 

 advisable at any future time to pursue it, will one day or 

 other be accomplished ; for, setting aside the accidents to 

 which, from their very nature, such attempts must be liable, 

 as well as other unfavourable circumstances which human 

 foresight can never guard against, nor human power con- 

 trol, I cannot but believe it to be an enterprise well within 

 the reasonable limits of practicability. It may be tried 

 often, and often fail, for several favourable and fortunate 



