Polar Explorations, 127 
. In 1744, the British sacegre passed an act to encourage 
the discove ery of a North West passage, and Capt. Cook 
proceeded to the North West coast of America, and ascer- 
tained its proximity to Asia, but adopted the opinions of pre- 
ceding navigators, that no passage could be effected in that 
hemisph ad ela he Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 
We pass over ma ny private adventures of intense interest, 
s 
n 1789, Sir Alexander McKenzie discovered the river 
which beara his name, and followed its course to the frozen 
ocean, where it discharges its waters in 69° 30’ N. 135° W. 
Many bold navigators have expressed the opinion that a 
North West passage is impracticable ; yet the English coun- 
cils seem to have been actuated by the spirit of Lord Bacon, 
who says, “ regarding ee mar I nee it pes a lee are 
ures 
science has tasked its power, and art has exercised its most 
ingenious devices to aid the endeavour—the most da ring spi- 
rits—the most determined courage—the most patient ae 
try, fortified by a religious confidence in divine en 
nee and protection, have been enlisted in this ificent 
enterprise. Parties by ees: and ships by pea with 
every thing that could favour their success, bh acer em- 
ed to push those cae which are aunt to com- 
the survey of the arctic circle. 
For this purpose, in 1818 the Isabella and Alexander at- 
en to penetrate to the west coast of Baffin’s Bay. 
