8 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



■quality in common with her more civilized sisters, of being able to flatter by 

 showing in gestures and expressions great admiration, but whether for her handi- 

 work or our appearance we could not determine, but I at once was reminded of 

 the remark of the descendent of Israel : ' It fits you like de paper on de vail.' 

 I was indeed glad to escape from the unfragrant place. The single window was 

 made of the membraneous tissue of the stomach of the seal. This substance 

 when oiled becomes almost as transparent as glass. Many of the natives, how- 

 ever, live in far better dwellings than the one I have described. Such a one 

 represents the habitations of the poorer classes." 



During my year's stay among the various settlements as far south as Egedes- 

 minde, and north as Upernavik, whether practicing as physician, when I could 

 thus do good, studying to verify my theories of the science of this region of mys- 

 tery, or traveling over the ice needing aid and companionship from the inhabi- 

 tants, I have had in every degree the co-operation and constant attention of the 

 Danish Governors and the Inspector of Greenland and the kind assistance of any 

 Esquimaux of whom I chose to ask favor. It would, be a difficult thing to stay 

 here for study and travel if it were not for the uniform courtesy extended by the 

 Danish officials. They are gentlemen of more or less European education, and 

 appreciate work done in the interest of science. 



It is not necessary to mention the full collection of animals, birds, eggs, 

 specimens of all kmds I was enabled to collect. There is an abundant room for 

 study here. Of the prehistoric age there is a world of interest open to the student. 

 Ethnology is a branch of especial interest to me, and was made, with the study 

 of land formations, coal seams, etc., a subject of devotion and rare pleasure in 

 point of interest. Botany, even, is pleasant and novel, and it gave me peculiar 

 delight to make a botanical collection, because I felt that in that I would have 

 the appreciation of the eye by those at home. 



A letter addressed to Dr. Pavy by " Krarup Smith, Inspector in North Green- 

 land " — there are Smiths so far north, it seems — is a tribute by that Danish offi- 

 cial to the professional services of the Doctor and his zeal in the northern explora- 

 tion, for which, he adds, he is well outfitted. It is dated Godhaven, July 13, 

 1 88 1, and written in excellent English, as well as perfect in penmanship. This 

 official has a family who lives at Godhaven (Disco Island), and is a man of in- 

 formation, education and politeness. Though his yearly association with explor- 

 ers who have gone north within the fourteen years of his service there, he is well 

 versed in Greenland travel and Arctic matters in general. — Globe- Democrat. 



THE LATEST EXPEDITION TO THE LENA. 



The Russian expedition to the mouth of the Lena, organized by the Imperial 

 Society of Geography, which left St. Petersburg the 28th of December, will pass 

 a year on the coasts of the frozen ocean. In sending this expedition the Society 

 fulfills the obligation contracted toward the International Polar Commission. The 

 following States take part in the enterprise projected by the Commission : 



