INTRODUCTION. 



The observations of which the record and results are given in the following pages 

 were made during the expedition to the Arctic regions in 1860-61, under the com- 

 mand of Dr. Isaac I. Hayes. The principal objects of this expedition were to 

 extend the exploration of Dr. Kane towards the north, and to make such observa- 

 tions of a scientific character as might tend to increase the existmg knowledge of 

 the Physical Geography, Meteorology, and Natural History of the region within 

 the Arctic circle including the coasts and islands on either side of Smith's Straits. 



The inception, organization, and equipment of the expedition were due to the 

 energy and perseverance of Dr. Hayes, who succeeded in awaking a popular interest 

 in the enterprise, and in obtaining the aid of scientific institutions and liberal indi- 

 viduals in carrying out his design. The larger part of the outfit was from volmitary 

 contributions. The instruments were principally supplied by the Coast Survey, the 

 Smithsonian Institution, and the Hydrographical Bureau of the Navy Department. 

 The articles for collecting and preserving specimens of natural history were fur- 

 nished by the Smithsonian Institution, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- 

 delphia, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, Mass. The 

 original plan contemplated the employment of a small steamer and a schooner, 

 but the means obtained were only sufiicient to fit out a saUing vessel of 133 tons 

 burthen, drawing eight feet of water. The party consisted of fifteen persons, ex- 

 clusive of the commander, besides those engaged after the expedition arrived in 

 Greenland. The astronomical, magnetical, and meteorological observations were 

 principally under the direction of Mr. Augustus Sonntag, a native of Northern 

 Germany, who had made himself favorably kno'wn by his scientific publications. 

 He had accompanied Dr. Kane's expedition as astronomer and physicist, and, after 

 his return, had made a magnetic and geographical survey in Mexico. He resigned 

 the position of assistant m the Albany Observatory to join the expedition under 

 Dr. Hayes, from which he Avas destined never to return. 



The expedition left Boston harbor on the 9th of July, 1860, and, after sailing 

 through a dense fog which continued seven days, or until after passing Cape Race, 

 met with favorable winds which enabled it on the 30th of July to cross the Arctic 

 circle. The first iceberg was seen. July 23d, 8 P. M. Land was made on the 31st, 

 and proved to be Disco Island. August 5th, at midnight, the explorers reached the 

 Danish settlement Proven, on the western coast of Greenland. Disappointed ui 

 obtaining dogs, they put to sea again on the morning of August 12th, and on the 

 same day were at Upernavik, the residence of the chief Danish trader. Here they 



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