ARCTIC TEMPERATURES AND EXPLORATION. 661 



open polar sea is correct, they would take to the canoes and fol- 

 low along the west coast of Greenland as far as it may project 

 northward. The Tyrrells made five hundred miles over the wa- 

 ters of Hudson Bay in this way, and others can do the same. 

 In all they did, however, the surveyors would be guided by past 

 practical experience. If they had their choice they would proba- 

 bly prefer ice to water, but whatever came they would meet it 

 with the equanimity of brave and resourceful men. Above all 

 others, their training in the field has qualified them to cope with 

 the difficulties they are likely to encounter. 



It is quite probable that the pole would not be reached the 

 first summer. From Mount Parry to the pole is five hundred and 

 fifty miles. If the most northerly point of Greenland does not 

 reach within a hundred miles of the pole and there were no 

 islands visible beyond, they would scarcely trust themselves on 

 a trackless sea in canoes. They would then have to return and 

 commence the arduous task of portaging a good-sized steam 

 launch piecemeal from the head depot to the polar sea. The 

 whole freighting force of the expedition would be laid under con- 

 tribution, and the work pushed with unflagging vigor. The boat, 

 of course, would be specially constructed beforehand for the pur- 

 pose, and would go together and be ready for navigation in a 

 week. Allowing the launch a speed of six miles an hour, the 

 pole would be reached in four days. 



The way to accomplish a task of this kind is to go at it quietly 

 and systematically, and stay right there until it is done. Ship 

 companies have always been confronted with the terrifying pos- 

 sibility of being cut off from all human succor. My plan renders 

 such a contingency impossible. The steamer would visit the 

 main depot every summer and then sail for Newfoundland, whence 

 news of the expedition would be telegraphed over the world. The 

 members of the expedition could thus communicate with their 

 friends, and the depressing feeling of isolation would be obviated. 

 There would be no danger of running out of supplies, and the ex- 

 pedition could go cheerfully ahead with the assurance that their 

 retreat was provided for. 



There are many reasons why Baffin Bay and Smith's Sound 

 should be chosen as the route to the north pole. To put them 

 shortly: 1. Greenland is the most northerly land known, and 

 probably extends a good deal farther than at present explored. 2. 

 Smith's Sound has been already traversed as far as the open sea. 

 3. Upernavik is the most northerly permanent abode of civilized 

 man. The moral influence of this on the expedition would be 

 great, because it would be but a short distance from the main 

 depot. 4. A whisp of the Gulf Stream runs along the west coast 

 of Greenland as far as the seventy- eighth degree of latitude, rais- 



