ON A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE, 283 



the fact, then future geographers will designate that portion 

 of the globe difl'erently from what has been heretofore 

 done. The present expedition, if properly furnished with 

 men of scientific qualification, as I have no doubt it will 

 be under the direction of the Royal Society, Avill return 

 with store of materials to furnish the most accurate and 

 ample information on this subject. 



Mr. Ellis, in his voyage with the Dobbs and California, 

 found the current always setting from the northward, even 

 in places where no opening in that direction was per- 

 ceiveable. It is true, he also observed the tide running 

 successively the contrary way ; but still his mind was im- 

 pressed with the firmest conviction that a sailing passage 

 must be found in a northern direction in the bottom of 

 Hudson's Bay. He even pointed out the choice of two 

 places where the passage was to be effected ; and that, 

 from his view of the great supply of water always coming 

 from the northward. It does not appear that any attempt 

 has been since made on Mr. Elhs's suggestion ; and as no 

 refutation of his opinion can be advanced, his suggestion 

 remains in undiminished credit. 



Mr. Hearn, in traversing a portion of the North 

 American continent, came in view of the sea, which then 

 appeared extending interminably to the northward, and 

 free from ice. This was probably some great bay belonging 

 to the Arctic Ocean, and which will most likely be traversed 



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