Polar Explorations. 127 



In 1744, the British parliament passed an act to encourage 

 the discovery of a North West passage, and Capt. Cook 

 proceeded to the North West coast of America, and ascer- 

 tained its proximity to Asia, but adopted the opinions of pre- 

 ceding navigators, that no passage could be effected in that 

 hemisphere between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 



We pass over many private adventures of intense interest, 

 and many records of suffering, in vain endeavors to extend 

 that part of geographical science connected with the pole, 

 and come to the date of George the 3d, who upon ascending 

 the throne, was eager to promote those discoveries, which 

 might tend to the advancement of knowledge and com- 

 merce. Among other plans for this purpose he lent a ready 

 ear to the proposition from the Royal Society, through Lord 

 Sandwich, for navigating the polar seas, and in 1773, direct- 

 ed a voyage to be undertaken under the command of Capt. 

 Phipps, afterwards Lord Mulgrave. This intrepid navigator 

 forced his way to 80° 37' north, but could proceed no further, 

 being opposed by " one unbroken plain of ice bounded only 

 by the horizon." 



In 1789, Sir Alexander McKenzie discovered the river 

 which bears his name, and followed its course to the frozen 

 ocean, where it discharges its waters in 69° 30' N. 135° W. 



Many bold navigators have expressed the opinion that a 

 North West passage is impracticable ; yet the English coun- 

 cils seem to have been actuated by the spirit of Lord Bacon, 

 who says, " regarding impossibility, I take it those things are 

 to be held possible, which may be done by some persons 

 though not by every one ; and which may be done by public 

 designation, though not by private endeavor ; and which 

 may be done in succession of ages, though not within the 

 hour glass of one man's life." Not discouraged by former 

 failures they have fitted out expedition after expedition — 

 science has tasked its power, and art has exercised its most 

 ingenious devices to aid the endeavour — the most daring spi- 

 rits — the most determined courage — the most patient indus- 

 try, fortified by a religious confidence in divine superinten- 

 dence and protection, have been enlisted in this magnificent 

 enterprise. Parties by land, and ships by sea, furnished with 

 every thing that could favour their success, have been em- 

 ployed to push those discoveries which are wanting to com- 

 plete the survey of the arctic circle. 



For this purpose, in 1818 the Isabella and Alexander at- 

 tempted to penetrate to the west coast of Baffin's Bay. 



