286 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS 



directly under my observation, it is very remote from my 

 expectation, that my communications will not be con- 

 sidered of value, both from the accuracy of detail and the 

 intention with which they are advanced. 



As no doubt of the final success of the expedition rests 

 upon my mind, we shall follow up the inquiry, by way 

 of anticipation on the course to be pursued. Passing by 

 the channels through which the southern current makes its 

 progress into Hudson's Bay through Chesterfield's Inlet or 

 Repulse Bay, and also crossing over the entrance of the 

 great bay observed by Hearn, a tract of coast presents 

 itself totally unknown, and upon whose border the most 

 prominent difficulties stand. The narrow outlet for the 

 ice by Behring's Strait is the chief cause of those difficul- 

 ties ; because if the polar accumulation extend so far to the 

 westward as to come in contact with the American coast, 

 all further inquiry will be fruitless. If, however, the icy 

 continent extend not so far, as I have much ground to 

 imagine, from Hearn's seeing open water, the voyage will 

 proceed prosperously, and the long desired end will be 

 triumphantly attained. The whole, if actively investigated, 

 will be effected within the space of one month after de- 

 parting from the latitude of Disko : but the greatest pre- 

 caution should be observed in noting the different state of 

 the ice on the progress westward ; otherwise a return may 

 be attended with disappointment and danger, in the present 



