Introduction. 



XXXI 



exploration of the Polar area would render ; and 

 the information brought home by Commander 

 Markham proves how right the Royal Geogra- 

 phical Society has been in recommending Smith's 

 Sound as the route on which a Polar expedition 

 should be sent, and shows at the same time how 

 large a measure of success may be anticipated, 

 as well as the comparative immunity from risk of 

 life. 



Never was a fairer field open to English seamen 

 and adventurers to reap high renown and to keep 

 our country in the vanguard of geographical dis- 

 covery ; and I cannot believe that that spirit which 

 was awakened under the great Elizabeth can have 

 passed away in the reign of Queen Victoria ; but 

 fervently trust, if our Government shrinks from its 

 undoubted duty, that private individuals will secure 

 to us the glory of being the first nation to have 

 traversed the Polar Sea, as .we have been foremost 

 in all that is great and glorious in so many other 

 parts of the earth. 



Sheraed Osborn, 



Rear Admiral. 

 London, December, 1873. 



