104 The Northwest Passage, &¢. 
«A comparison of the magnetic influence near the pole, 
with what it has been observed to be on the equator, might 
jead to important results ; and the swinging of a pendulum as 
near the pole as can be approached, to compare with the oscil- 
lations observed in the Shetland Islands, and in the southem 
hemisphere, would be a great point gained for science.” 
We have no room in this Number to consider the probability 
of success in this attempt, nor the question, whether the break- 
ing up of the Greenland ice, and its passage to, and dissolution 
in, the south, have been attended with a chilling influence m 
the continents. ‘That such a chilling effect might be extel- 
sively exerted, is certainly credible. Approaching some of 
the ice bergs, in April, 1805, on the shoals of Newfoundland, 
we were rendered very sensible of the vicinity of such dan- 
gerous neighbours, by the great chill in the air, long before 
they were visible ; and when we had passed them, the weather 
again grew milder. 
Perhaps it militates against the probability of finding te 
northern polar basin free of ice, that Captain Cook, im his 
approximation to the southern pole, in January, 1773, when it 
latitude 67° 15’ south, “could proceed no farther} the ice 
being entirely closed to the south, in the whole extent from 
east to west-southwest, without the least appearance of any 
opening.” The advanced season of the year did not, howev’ 
permit Captain Cook to ascertain whether he could coast 
around this ice—whether it was ultimately attached to Jand, oF 
was a part of a vast field extending to the south pole. This 
is however highly improbable, because being found about 95° 
from the pole, it is hardly credible that it would occupy ® 
extensive a region as to embrace the pole ; and, perhaps, ex! 
as much farther beyond ; especially as in similar latitudes ™ 
the opposite hemisphere, navigation is comparatively free, 
has been pushed even to more than 80° of north latitude. 
The scientific as’ well''as the: continiereial “world; will 
with no small impatience for the termination of the two grad 
arctic expeditions, which are among the most origi and 
daring, and may be among the most interesting and momento 
hitherto undertaken by man. 
eenemerenrens 
seit ceetin siamese 
