CONTINUOUS POLAR EXPLORATION. 325 



tically free from risk, especially since Eskimos are to be employed. (E. E. 

 Peary, civil engineer, U. S. Nav^y.) 



It is Mr. Robert Stein's merit to have called attention to the remarkable 

 fact that the most northern portion of our continent has so far remained 

 unexplored, not on account of the inherent difBculties of access, but on ac- 

 count of historical facts which directed the attention of explorers to Lan- 

 caster Sound and its western continuation, and to Smith Sound and its 

 northern continuation. All the facts that are known — and these are 

 quite numerous — indicate that the northernmost portion of the arctic 

 American archipelago can be reached without danger and can be explored 

 with comparative ease. 



Mr. Stein points out that the point of attack is Jones Sound, which 

 has so far been entirely neglected by explo3-er3. Profiting by previous ex- 

 perience, Mr. Stein proposes to establish a station at the entrance of Jones 

 Sound, thus giving his operations the necessary security and x^i'actically 

 excluding all danger of serious accidents. The entrance of Jones Sound 

 is visited annually by whalers, who will keep the explorers in contact with 

 the civilized world, and who can furnish supplies and help if needed. 

 There is no doubt that a small number of scientists, supported by a few 

 Eskimo families, will be able to thoroughly explore the outlines of all the 

 unknown islands and bring home material results in all branches of natu- 

 ral science, and that they may add important observations on the physical 

 conditions of the arctic zone. The field of exploration hasthe immeasur 

 able advantage that it can be easily reached either by a special vessel or by 

 means of whalers; that exploration is, one might say, absolutely safe; and 

 that it is certain to yield results which will rank with the best achieve- 

 ments in arctic explorations. 



It is Mr. Stein's intention to confine the first season's work to the estab- 

 lishment of a base station and the exploration of its immediate vicinity. 

 It is his plan to engage the help of a number of Eskimos, and to limit the 

 party to from four to six scientists. The experience of C. F. Hall, of 

 Schwatka, and my own proves that such work is practically free from 

 risks of any kind, and I do not hesitate to express my conviction that even 

 the first year's work will amply repay the expense incurred in fitting out 

 the expedition. (Dr. Franz Boas, explorer of Baffin Land.) 



Your committee believe that this expedition is thoroughly safe and 

 practicable; that it is desirable for scientific purposes; and that no part of 

 the arctic regions gives promise of greater opportunities for extensive dis- 

 coveries with a minimum of danger, hardship, and expense. (National Geo- 

 gi'aphic Society, Washington, D. C) 



Whereas a systematic exploration of Ellesmere Land is projected, always 

 within easy reach of a base of supplies : resolved, that the Anthropological 

 Society of Washington heartily indorse both the exploration and the plan 

 of operations proposed by Mr. Eobert Stein. 



The west coast of Ellesmere Land is, in my opinion, the ©ne field of ex- 

 ploration in all the arctic that promises the largest results with the least 

 amoimt of labor and danger. (General A. W. Greely, U. S. Army.) 



I am pleased to see you lay so much stress on the one point on which I 

 have always insisted — that no step should be taken in arctic exploration 



