340 North Polar Exploration. 



excellent reasons for the interest with which they regard the 

 proposal to explore these regions. 



There are many strange anomalies, too, connected with the 

 meteorology of the North, as hitherto observed. The data 

 already obtained are altogether insufficient to enable men of 

 science to acquire a sound knowledge of the laws which 

 regulate the climate of the Arctic regions. Captain Osborn 

 has well said that nothing could be more deeply interesting 

 than a careful series of meteorological observations within 

 the Polar area. 



These are some of the leading results that will be derived from 

 a scientific expedition to explore the North Polar region, and 

 most assuredly they would amply justify its despatch. There 

 are probably many more additions to our knowledge to be 

 secured in that vast area, of which we cannot form a con- 

 jecture now; but we know enough to convince all lovers of 

 science that there is great and important work to be done, 

 and that a naval expedition should do it. 



It remains to consider the direction from which a Polar 

 expedition might be undertaken with the greatest probability 

 of success. 



There are two accessible approaches to the Polar region, 

 one by the Spitzbergen Sea, between Greenland and Nova 

 Zembla, and the other through Smith Sound, at the head of 

 Baffin's Bay. Looking round the circle formed by the 80th 

 parallel, we see no other suitable opening. Behring's Strait 

 appears to be one, it is true, but beyond it there is the most 

 stupendous accumulation of ice that has ever been met with in 

 the Arctic regions, and the northern openings between the 

 Parry Islands are out of the question. The only routes, then, 

 are those of Spitzbergen and Smith Sound. 



The Spitzbergen route was originally proposed by General 

 Sabine, the President of the Poyal Society, who developed a 

 plan for attempting it, and it is recommended by four other 

 officers of Arctic experience, Sir Edward Belcher, Admiral 

 Ommanney, Captain Richards, and Captain Inglefield, and also 

 by Admiral Fitz-Roy. The idea appears to be that a base or 

 depot should be established in Spitzbergen, whence well-found 

 screw steamers may do battle with the pack to the northward 

 for two or three years, if need be, until success is achieved. 



The argument in favour of this route is founded on the 

 following considerations : — It is known that the Gulf-stream 

 flows up between Spitzbergen and Nova Zembla, and that it 

 issues south again as an Arctic current. This warm indraught 

 is supposed to cause a navigable ocean, free from ice during- 

 the summer ; and one theorist maintains that even in the 

 depth of an Arctic winter a vessel may sail without obstruction 



