THE POLAE SEAS. 59 



" There is rarefaction in the Arctic regions. The winds show it, the 

 barometer attests it, and the fact is consistent with the Kussian theory 

 of a Polynia in polar waters. Within the Antarctic Circle, on the 

 contrary, the winds bring air which has come over the water for the 

 distance of hundreds of leagues all around; consequently, a large 

 portion of atmospheric air is driven away from the austral regions by 

 the force of vapour." 



