APPENDIX. 159 



therefore, it would be necessary to set out by the 

 close of the month of April, or the beginning of 

 May ; or at least, some time before the severity of 

 the frost should be too greatly relaxed. 



" (b.) Want of continuity of the ice would cer- 

 tainly occasion a troublesome interruption; it might 

 nevertheless be overcome, by having the sledges 

 adapted to answer the purpose of boats* ; and it is 

 to be expected, that although openings amidst the 

 ice should occur, yet a winding course might in ge- 

 neral be pursued, so as to prevent any very great 

 stoppage. % 



" ( c ) Many of the most prodigious fields are 

 entirely free from abrupt hummocks from one ex- 

 tremity to the other, and field ice, as it appears in 

 general, would be easily palpable. 



" (d.) The degree of interruption from moun- 

 tainous ice would depend on the quality of its sur- 

 face. If, as is most probable, it were smooth, and 

 free from abrupt slopes, it would not prevent the 

 success of the expedition. 



" 2. The direct route would be pointed out, for 

 some part of the way at least, by the magnetic 

 needle ; and when its pole should be directed to- 



* The sledges might consist of slender frames of wood, with the 

 ribs of some quadruped, and coverings of water-proof skins, or 

 other materials equally light. 



