No. I, APPENDIX. 357 



where so many secrets lie buried, if only they are sup- 

 plied with the adequate means. 



It would be a waste of words to attempt to refute 

 again the main objections that have been urged against 

 a renewed search, as involving extraordinary danger 

 and risking life. The safe return of our officers and 

 men cannot be denied, neither wUl it be disputed that 

 each succeeding year diminishes the risk of casualty ; 

 and indeed, I feel it would be especially superfluous and 

 unseasonable to argue against this particular objection, 

 or against the financial one which generally accom- 

 panies it, at a moment when new expeditions for the 

 glorious interests of science, and which every true lover 

 of science and of his country must rejoice in, are con- 

 templated for the interior of Africa and other parts 

 which are far less favom^able to human life than the icy 

 regions of the north. 



But with respect to expenditure, I may perhaps be 

 allowed, as I have alluded to that topic, again to call to 

 your Lordship's attention that the ' Eesolute ' is ready 

 equipped for Arctic service by the munificence of 

 another nation, and to add that other Arctic ships, 

 equally well fitted for the purpose, are lying useless 

 in Her Majesty's dockyards, along with accumulated 

 Arctic stores brought back by the late expeditions, 

 and therefore long since included in the navy estimates ; 

 and which, besides, are available only for Arctic service, 

 and, if sold, would be bought at only nominal prices. 

 In addition to the above sources of supply are those 

 already existing on the Arctic shores, which are now 

 studded with depots of provisions and fuel, left from 

 the last and former expeditions, and fit as ever for use, 

 because of the conservative properties of the climate. 



But even were the expenditure greater than can thus 

 reasonably be expected, I submit to your Lordship that 

 this is a case of no ordinary exigency. These 135 men 

 of the 'Erebus' and 'Terror' (or perhaps I should 



