E 46 ] 



be in with the edge of the ice about the 10th of May, when it 

 begins to feparate and open. 



4th. There is not the leaft reafon to fuppofe, that the feas to 

 the Weft, North-weft, and North of Spitsbergen are covered 

 with permanent and perpetual ice, fo as never to be opened by 

 the operation of the winds ; for daily experience {hews us ?> that 

 a Northerly wind, when of any long duration, opens and fepa- 

 rates the Ice, fo as to admit of mips going amongft it in fundry 

 places to a very high latitude, if attempted. 



N. B. I never was to the Eaftward of Spitzbergen ; but am of 

 opinion, that the ice is much the fame there as to the 

 North and North- weft of Spitzbergen. 



I generally find that Northerly winds bring froft and mow ; 

 on the contrary, Southerly winds bring mild weather and rain ; 

 but none of thofe winds appear to be periodical, except clofe in 

 with the land, called Fair Foreland, where I generally find the 

 winds in the months of June and July to blow moftly from the 

 S. S. W. and very often exceflive ftrong. 



It is my opinion, by obferving the above, that in fome years 

 mips might fail very nigh the Pole ; if not, the impracticability 

 muft arife from the large quantity of ice that lies in thole feas. 



III. From Captain Ralph Dale of the 

 Ann and Elizabeth. 



I am willing to give you my opinion, in regard to the queries 

 received of you, fo far as my obfervations will juftify. 



ift. In the year 1773, I failed North 8i°, when I was much 

 incommoded with large fields of ice, but the air was not fen- 

 5 f'bly 



