THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



153 



lives in poverty for the sake of demonstrat- 

 ing some scientific truth, who received 

 the contempt of their contemporaries and 

 the gratitude of their successors. 



Like the magnet that attracts to it bits 

 of iron, so the pole, with irresistible force, 

 draws to it the seeker after knowledge. 

 Reaching the pole would solve many per- 

 plexing questions; would prove the truth 

 or falsity of many theories regarding the 

 earth and its formation. The commonly 

 accepted theory, borne out by the fossil 

 plants, indicative of a warm climate, found 

 far toward the north pole, that at one 

 time the northern portion of the globe had 

 a tropical climate would be proved or dis- 

 proved, in all probability, by reaching the 

 limit. This theory was the foundation 

 upon which a book "Paradise Found'' was 

 written; the author claiming that the 

 Garden of Eden was located at the north 

 pole, which succeeding ages had changed 

 from a tropical garden of fruit and flowers 

 to a land of ice and snow. 



Great additions will be made to the 

 world's knowledge by the brave adven- 



turer who succeeds in reaching the goal- 

 For that it will be reached in the near 

 future, there is but little doubt. Years 

 ago Sir John Barrow wrote: "The north 

 pole is the only thing in the world about 

 which we know nothing, and that want of 

 all knowledge ought to operate as a spur 

 to adopt means of wiping away that stain 

 6f ignorance from this enlightened age." 

 For almost three hundred years adven- 

 turous spirits have attempted the danger- 

 ous feat of reaching the pole not all of 

 them with any scientific purpose in view. 

 Many a one making the attempt simply 

 in a spirit of daring and a desire to outdo 

 his fellow men; the same spirit which an- 

 imates the man who attempts any danger- 

 ous feat, or engages in any contest. We 

 give to the winner honor and applause, 

 whether he wins in the political race or 

 breaks the record on a wheel. Therefore 

 give the sturdy adventurers hearty praise 

 for what they have already acomplished, 

 and best wishes in what they will still un- 

 dertake. 



