THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 03(1 



within its influence, as well upon the concave, as upon the con- 

 vex, surface. 



Whether there is any truth in the Symmes theory or not, 

 enough has come to light since its promulgation to prove that 

 its author was correct in his views of a warmer climate and an 

 open sea near the Pole ; and the mysterious current, flowing to- 

 ward the north, which almost carried Lieut. Lockwood and Ser- 

 geant Brainerd away from the known regions of the earth, at the 

 most northern point ever reached by man, may be the stream 

 that will carry some future bold explorer into the summer lands 

 of the earth's interior. Who can say that this may not be so? 

 Time, the great revealer of secrets, will alone determine 

 whether this startling theory is true, in whole or in part, and 

 whether its author was a visionary enthusiast, or a profound 

 philosopher whose name will be honored among men, like that of 

 Franklin or Newton, as a benefactor of his race, and an honor 

 to the country which gave him birth. 



ESQUIMAU DOGS. 



ARCTIC travel would be impossible without Esquimau dogs, 

 Reindeer may be used as far north as 70, possibly further, but 

 they cannot stand travel nearly as well as dogs, and are more 

 difficult to manage. The true Esquimau dog is neither domes- 

 tic nor savage, but a hybrid in character, with little or none of 

 the characteristics of our faithful animals so fond of man. They 

 do not appreciate kindness nor attempt any farniliarties with 

 their masters, but rather repel any effort made to fondle 

 them. The sledges used in traveling at the far North, are light, 

 though strongly made, about eight feet long by three wide, ca- 

 pable of supporting a load of a thousand pounds. The runners 

 are usually iced by pouring water oh them, which is allowed to 

 freeze. This is done preparatory to starting on a journey, and 

 should this ice become detached from any cause, or worn off by 

 passing over stones, a stop is made at once to ice the runners 

 again. Each dog is expected to draw seventy-five pounds of 

 weight, though in extreme cases they could pull twice that amount, 

 but it is best not to overload them. They are hitched to the 



