xxii PREFACE. 



solved by the heroic self-sacrifice of Franklin, 

 Crozier, Fitzjames, and their associates, the 

 searches after them which are now terminated, 

 have, at a very small loss of life, not only added 

 prodigiously to geographical knowledge, but 

 have, in times of peace, been the best school for 

 testing, by the severest trials, the skill and 

 endurance of many a brave seaman. In her 

 hour of need — shojild need arise — England 

 knows that such men will nobly do their duty. 



EODERICK I. MURCHISON. 



