CONCLUSION. 579 



Society" (p. 10), it is said: — "The unknown region 

 covers a surface of more than a miUion of Enaflish 

 square miles. It is impossible that one single expedition 

 could ever undertake the investigation of the whole of 

 this territory, and it is therefore necessary to choose that 

 part which contains the three chief requirements : these 

 are — 1, the certainty of exploring a country up to this 

 time unknown, and of some considerable extent ; 2, the 

 prospect of important discoveries in the different branches 

 of science ; 3, the best security for a safe return. These 

 leading features can only be secured in a neighbourhood 

 where there is a large extent of coast-line ; for the most 

 important discoveries are to be expected chiefly on land 

 or near it." 



All this is as suitable for East Greenland, as for AVest 

 Greenland, and there can be no reason why the discoveries 

 in East Greenland under the German Flag should not be 

 continued. It seems to me a matter of honom' for the 

 German nation, that the further investigation of the 

 large Fjord discovered by us should not be left to 

 other nations, but that it should garner into itself the 

 seed sown with so much trouble. 



An English Expedition to West Greenland through 

 Smith Sound, and a German one to East Greenland 

 starting at the same time would, with our present, 

 experience and means of assistance, certainly lead to the 

 exploration of a considerable extent of the unknown Polar 

 area, and bring home a rich result of scientific discoveries 

 in all branches that could not be obtained in any other 

 way. 



May the present work contribute to reawaken interest 



P p 2 



