PLAN OF TRAVEL. 79 



near the Esquimaux village, under the 77th parallel, on the western 

 coast of Greenland. There should he previously despatched to 

 this point, in a separate party, at least ten narty, with dogs, and 

 active and courageous drivers ; the latter the same, if possible, as 

 were employed in the Siberian expeditions, 1 likewise stores and 

 provisions in sufficient quantity. In autumn, as soon as the water 

 freezes, the expedition should go to Smith's Sound, and from thence 

 further towards the north. On arriving at 79°, it should seek on 

 the coasts of Greenland, or in the valleys between the mountains, 

 for a convenient place to deposit a part of the provisions. 



In February the expedition might advance towards that place ; 

 and in the beginning of March another station, two degrees further 

 north, might be established. From this last point the Polar detach- 

 ment of the expedition would proceed during March over the ice, 

 without leaving the coasts, keeping along the valleys, or on the 

 ridge of mountains, as may be found most expedient, but deviating 

 as little as possible from the line of the meridian, and shortening 

 the distance by crossing the straits and bays. A part of the men, 

 dogs, and provisions, should await their return at the last station. 



The expedition, to reach the Pole and to return, must traverse 

 in a direct line nearly 1200 miles, or, including all deviations, 

 perhaps not above 1530 miles, which is very practicable, with well- 

 constructed sledges, good dogs, and proper conductors. 



If the most northern limits of Greenland, or the Archipelago of 

 Greenland Islands, should be found at too great a distance from 

 the Pole, and the attainment of that point seem impossible, the 

 expedition might at any rate draw up the description of a country 

 hitherto absolutely unexplored, and would, even by so being, render 

 an important service to geography in general. 



1 The success of such an enterprise would chiefly depend on the kind of dogs, 

 the experience and courage of -the conductors, and the form of the .sledges. It 



certainly will not advance rapidly if Esquimaux or Tehouktschi dogs are employed, 

 because these are entirely unaccustomed to stieh long journeys; nor with Esqui- 

 maux or Tehouktschi drivers, — men without courage or activity. 



