386 Queries respecting the Probability of [May, 
sible, as the mountains of ice appear monstrously large and lofty. 
Some of the ice is continually drifting about; so that in many 
places water is discerned. Those who have been on the most elevated 
parts of Nordester Island declare that, as far as it is visible, open 
water is only seen; but to what distance it may continue so, it is 
impossible for them to ascertain, as an attempt for the discovery has 
never been made; but seemingly it is practicable to bring the fuel 
and provisions in vessels to the Nordaster Island. 
26. Q.—If the passage should be deemed practicable, in what 
manner should it be attempted? and what means of conveying fuel 
and provisions appear to be the best ? 
A.—As the fishermen think all passage impracticable, it is not in 
their power to give any answer to this demand. 
27. Q.—Might not three different huts constructed like those in 
which the people of Spitzbergen live, together with a sufficient 
quantity of provisions in each for half a dozen of people, be con- 
veyed on sledges, and be left at the different distances of 200, of 
400, of 600 miles, N. of Spitzbergen, as places of deposit for the 
assistance of those who shall undertake the journey ? 
A.—Such huts might be built, and placed on shore, as said in 
the tenth article, at a convenient distance from their vessels ; but 
as for conveying them ready-built to the distances proposed appears 
to the people an impossibility. 
28. Q.—What number of persons and rein-deer, or of dogs, 
would be requisite for conveying the huts ? 
A.—From the mountains of ice and great falls of snow, neither 
dogs nor rein-deer would be able to draw loads; for the fishermen 
themselves, to be as light as possible, go on snow skaits. 
29. Q.—At what price per man for each day’s journey would the 
people of Spitzbergen, if they think the adventure practicable, be 
likely to undertake the conduct of the sledges ? 
A.—As in the last reply the fishermen show it is not convenient 
there to draw with dogs or rein-deer, therefore no price can be said. 
30. Q.—Are there any persons in Archangel who have formerly 
resided in Spitzbergen who would engage in the business? and are 
there any who would be willing, in company with two Englishmen, 
to attempt on this plan a passage to the North Pole? 
A,—As there are not, nor ever were, any natives of Spitzbergen, 
none therefore can be resident in Archangel: however, many men 
may be met with here who have wintered there; but as they have 
never made an attempt to go to the Pole, they cannot undertake the 
conduct of the business. Notwithstanding, if an Englishman 
should determine on the endeavour, some people might be met 
with who would perhaps, with an English ship’s company, engage 
themselves. 
31. Q.—In the spring, have flights of birds ever been observed 
to direct their course N. of Spitzbergen ? 
A—It has been always experienced by those who have been at 
