CONCLUDING REMARKS. 211 



in the ice, and if any land should be discovered 

 in, or near the situation marked in an old Dutch 

 chart, and its coast should stretch to the north- 

 ward, and be approachable, there is but little 

 doubt that the expedition would be able to 

 advance along its western side, owing to the 

 prevailing motion of the ice,* and perhaps attain 

 a very near approach to the Pole. In any case 

 we shall have acquired knowledge, and a positive 

 benefit to science, by a more accurate deter- 

 mination of the figure of the earth than we have 

 hitherto possessed. 



In concluding these remarks, I cannot withhold 

 the expression of my cordial agreement in the 

 opinion maintained by the Quarterly Review,f 

 " that neither the country nor the naval service 

 will ever believe they have any cause to regret 

 voyages, which in the eyes of foreigners and 

 posterity must confer lasting honour upon both." 

 And long may our country continue to enjoy 

 that peace and prosperity, which shall enable her 

 to exercise in such honourable and useful services 

 those energies of her seamen, which, in the event 

 of war, must be directed to so opposite a purpose. 



* See " Currents/' Appendix No. III. 

 f Quarterly Review, lxxiv. 539. 



p 2 



