Geography of the Land. 131 



international traffic in serious rivalry with the transcontinental 

 roads in the United States. Projects have also been formed for a 

 short rail connection to Hudson's Bay, with a view to shipments 

 during the summer direct to Europe — but there seems to be reason- 

 able question of the practicability of such a route. During the 

 past two seasons Canada has also been engaged upon extensive 

 explorations in the Northwest territory, along the boundary line 

 of Alaska. The parties, I learn, are only just returning from their 

 last summer's labors, and it will probably be some time in the 

 winter before we can supplement the chapter of a year ago from 

 this interesting region. 



But little advance has been made during late years in solving 

 the mysteries of the Arctic. In the past summer a party has 

 crossed the southern part of Greenland, but advices have not yet 

 come to hand that would indicate the value of the exploration. 

 A second party was organized to follow the east coast of Green- 

 land to the northward, that we may hear from at a later date, 

 although reports already received, if true, would indicate the 

 effort had been baffled by adverse weather. A few months ago 

 an expedition was seriously contemplated by Europeans to the 

 frozen seas of the Antarctic. As it was to have been backed by 

 energetic business men it doubtless would have been amply fitted 

 for its purpose, and we may, therefore, sincerely regret the rumor 

 that the project has been postponed — if not abandoned. 



In the Central American States a Congress has been assembled 

 to consider the unification of the States under one general gov- 

 ernment — a union, the possibility of which has long been dis- 

 cussed, but from the jealousy of rival factions has heretofore 

 seemed impossible of accomplishment ; but there is some hope 

 that the labors of the Congress now in session will prove more 

 successful. 



Our greatest Geographic interest in these States is centered in 

 the projects for interoceanic canals. The scheme to cut the Isth- 

 mus of Panama, undertaken by the eminent French engineer, De 

 Lesseps, has been beset with many difficulties, not the least of 

 them arising from the improvident management of those having 

 immediate charge of the works. It is impossible to foresee the 

 eventual outcome of this great work, as all reports expressing de- 

 cided views on the subject are suspected of a coloring from the 

 personal opinions of the authors' of them. The original plans 

 have been modified to include locks for crossing "a summit level." 

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