350 OF THE EXPEDITION 



in recollection : we shall see its utility and wholesome 

 application shortly. 



In hinting the probability of a change in the axis of 

 the earth having taken place, I did not intend that I 

 should be understood to say that such a change was sudden, 

 but imperceptibly gradual. It is not for my humble pen 

 to intrude on the province of the astronomer ; but a 

 thought has suggested itself to my mind, that the matter 

 may be determined simply by measuring the circle which 

 the earth's axis forms in revolution round the polar star, 

 when, if foimd not exactly the same as heretofore, the 

 influence will obviously and fairly be, that some change 

 has taken place. If such a change has occurred, it will 

 justly be considered a matter worthy of discussion among 

 persons conversant in such subjects, to determine whether 

 the centrifugal action may not aid in demolishing that 

 icy hoard in the north of Greenland, which, I appre- 

 hend, encompasses the north pole. I feel that this sug- 

 gestion places me on tickhsh ground : I therefore beg 

 permission to transfer the subject to abler hands. 



Independently however of the influence of the sun on 

 the ice continent, or on its huge bergy fragments during 

 the summer months, or even were the proofs of the 

 suggestion right regarding the probable effects of the 

 centrifugal force, another cause exists to retard or promote 

 the formation of ice (I mean the flat or ordinary field ice). 



