GEOLOGY. 



681 



It was one of the boldest explorers of these boreal 

 regions that discovered the waves of the new ocean be- 

 yond the barrier of ice which bars the path to the pole 

 against oiu- vessels. 



Instead of finding, as he advanced towards the pole, a 

 more and more rigorous climate, Captain Morton beheld 



30y. Kennely Channel.— Sketch by J. Noel, from Kane. 



the bloom of a new spring, and life, instead of becoming 

 extinct, appeared to revive. The boreal flora became richer, 

 and at the same time immense flocks of ducks, sea-gulls, 

 and other birds plunged into the waves or sported upon the 

 shores. But very soon after, the indefatigable traveller, 

 vanquished by obstacles and exhausted by so many fatigaies, 

 yet transported Avith the view of the sombre polar sea 

 which he had just discovered, with a failing hand planted 

 his flag upon a cape which had never been reached by 



