PREFACE. 



J. HE absolute want of scientific information on the subject of 

 northern cUmates induced the author of these observations to submit 

 to a situation little attractive to choice in every consideration, namely, 

 the place of surgeon to a whale ship, in order that, fi-om personal 

 experience, such information might be derived as would be ac- 

 ceptable to the generahty of readers interested in such subjects. 

 The matter of inquiry seemed to involve many objects highly de- 

 serving of illustration. 



To the inhabitants of southern lands, views sketched on the 

 spot cannot fail or affording interest, as the di'awings convey a 

 complete idea of the actual situation of the polar world to the 77° 

 N. latitude. 



Previous accounts had mentioned the existence of a people of 

 singular character inhabiting those dreary regions : but it remained 

 for the present detail to exhiljit portraits from life, of human beings 

 who cherish an abode in those inhospitable countries in preference 

 to the comforts of mUder climes. 



The arctic animals and birds of passage there found, and the 

 whale fishery as connected with the manufactures and the maritime 

 interests of Britain, given in detail, with appropriate drawings, 

 appeared to the author an object of great interest, and consequently 



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