306 Arguments for 



(where they were picked up in the spring), a distance of 1,400 

 miles. This is the fifth occasion on which the polar current 

 through Smith Sound and Baffin's Bay has drifted vessels into 

 the Atlantic ; proving that the opening called Smith Sound is 

 a channel with a constant current flowing southward from the 

 unknown area. 



The boat's crew from the " Polaris " reported open water 

 at their furthest point to the north, in 82° 16' N., a milder 

 climate than has been found in more southern positions, and 

 that terrestrial animal life abounded near their winter quarters, 

 in 81° 38' N., including musk oxen — a point the importance 

 of which cannot be overrated. 



The Admiralty have the means, by referring to past records 

 and living authorities, of laying down clearly and economically 

 all the requirements for such an expedition as is contemplated. 

 It is therefore unnecessary in this memorandum to enter into 

 any lengthened detail on the subject. But we may say that 

 in general terms we only seek that it should consist of two 

 moderate- sized screw-steamers, one to be stationed at some 

 distance within the entrance of Smith Sound, the other to 

 advance, as far as possible, to the northward (preserving 

 communication with the depot vessel), from which point 

 sledge parties would start in the early spring, and explore 

 the unknown region in various directions, whilst the scien- 

 tific staff on board the respective ships, being in near proxi- 

 mity to the land, would be able to prosecute researches both 

 on shore and by means of the ice on the sea. The advanced 

 parties would be in such a position as to be able to fall back 

 upon the consort, at her station near the entrance of Smith 

 Sound. Thence, in the improbable event of accidents, the 

 whole expedition could retreat to the Danish settlements in 

 Greenland, as has been before done. 



In conclusion, we may be allowed to add that the council 

 of the Royal Geographical Society have never appealed to the 

 Government to iindertake enterprises which are of a nature 



