Dedication. xiii 



The jute manufactory, which gives employment 

 to many thousands of industrious ryots, is depen- 

 dent for its existence on the success of the whale 

 fishery, animal oil being- necessary for the prepa- 

 ration of the fibre. So that it is peculiarly appro- 

 priate that a statesman who has devoted his whole 

 life to the welfare of India should now be among- 

 the foremost in advancing the cause of Arctic dis- 

 covery. 



Earnestly trusting* that the efforts of the Council 

 of our Society, under your Presidency, to secure 

 the despatch of an Arctic exploring- expedition may 

 bear fruit, if not in 1874, at least in 1875, I remain, 

 with warmest wishes for your success, my dear Sir 

 Bartle, 



Yours very sincerely, 



Albert H. Markham. 



H. M. S. " Sultan," 

 Lisbon, 



December, 1873. 



