520 The Arctic Expedition. [October, 
showing the lines of equal declination, inclination, and hori- 
zontal force in the Polar Regions. Sir William Thomson 
contributes instructions for the observation of atmospheric 
electricity, while Prof. G. G. Stokes gives some useful hints 
in regard to spectroscopic observations. The instru¢tions 
extend over 86 pages, while the manual embraces 750 pages, 
and consists of reprints or abstracts of papers relating to 
the natural history and physics of the Polar Regions. The 
natural history is compiled by Prof. T. Rupert Jones, and 
the physics by Prof. W. G. Adams. The physics is divided 
into (1) meteorology ; (2) temperature of the sea ; (3) physical 
properties of ice; (4) tides and currents; (5) measuring 
the motion of glaciers; (6) observations on refraction and 
on air, and observations on sound; (7) terrestrial magnetism ; 
(8) aurora borealis. The scientific members of the expedi- 
tion will have enough to doif, in addition to various other 
observations, they attempt to follow in the footsteps of the 
Swedish expedition to Spitzbergen under Prof. Nordenskiold. 
As part of the general observational work of this expedition 
we find the following :— 
*‘t. Hourly meteorological observations. 
‘2. Astronomical positions of stations. 
**3, Pendulum and refraction observations in great cold. 
**4. Hourly magnetic observations, besides observations 
every five minutes on two term days a month, in connection 
with observations at Upsala. 
**5, Tides and currents.” 
We come now to the results which we expect to ob- 
tain from the Arctic Expedition of 1875. Before we 
enumerate the more special objects to be attained let us call 
to mind the fact that all maritime enterprise is, and ever has 
been, popular among the sea-loving inhabitants of these 
islands. And when that enterprise involves unparalleled 
hardships, privations, and dangers, when it may result in 
the discovery of new lands and seas, the probable accom- 
plishment of that which the world has for centuries at- 
tempted in vain, the old Vikingr blood is raised to fever heat 
in our veins, and the adventure becomes as exciting as the 
bombardment of a great sea fortress, or the investment of a 
walled and fortified city. We may not forget that Nelson 
began his career in an Arctic exploring vessel, and that the 
undaunted heroism of Franklin anda host of Arétic explorers 
is almost alone in these modern days worthy to be placed on 
a level with that of Leonidas. Once more, we who have 
ever been foremost in Arctic research must not allow other 
nations to step in and attain the final consummation. And 
wise 
