728 THE JOURNAL OT GEOLOGY. 



concern. When, for instance, in lieu of an effort to prove the 

 insularity of Greenland, a race for the "fartherest north" appears 

 as the prime motive of an expedition, the masses are all agog, 

 but scientists become indifferent. An adventurous rush for the 

 pole, and an effort to determine the rotundity of the ice cap, 

 awaken diametrically opposite sentiments among the two classes. 

 The interest of the one rises as that of the other falls. 



As motives in all endeavors are doubtless more or less mixed, 

 it will be fortunate if each class can find in every laudable enter- 

 prise a purpose congenial to its own point of view, provided 

 always the hazard of the endeavor does not bar it out from legit- 

 imate undertakings. Beyond question, popular interest in Arctic 

 exploration centres about the "fartherest north" and the attain- 

 ment of the pole, and is grounded in the human factors of com- 

 petitive courage, strength, sagacity, and luck ; while scientific 

 interest is chiefly centred upon the physical and biological 

 features of the region considered as elements of our great envi- 

 ronment, to know every part of which is prerequisite to knowing 

 any part well. In so far, therefore, as proper endeavor falls 

 within the limits of legitimate hazard, the conjunction of popular 

 with scientific interest is a helpful source of support and promo- 

 tion, and, in view of this, the true explorer may be challenged to 

 ake courageously the good and ill of personal interpretation 

 until time shall bring its due, and presumably its true, adjudication. 

 The scientific factors in the work of Lieutenant Peary are 

 worthy of note, quite apart from any admiration which his 

 courage and perseverance may awaken. It should be more gen- 

 erally known that, during those portions of the season when his 

 party have not been engaged in his great endeavor to complete 

 the outlining of the northern and eastern coasts of Greenland and 

 of the archipelago which is presumed to constitute its extension 

 northward, they have been employed in the mapping of the 

 western coast on a more detailed and accurate basis. This has 

 not been confined to the portion near the headquarters of the 

 party on Inglefield Gulf. Many additions have been made to 

 existing knowledge of the coast all the way from Melville Bay 



