GREENLAND OR POLAR ICK. 



327 



former voyage, on various meridians, and with in- 

 defatigable perseverance. On his first attempt in 

 1772, they met with ice in about 51* south, and 

 longitude 21° east. They saw great fields in 

 55'' south on the 17th of January 1773, and on 

 February the 24th, were stopped by field-ice in 

 62® south latitude, and 95'' east longitude. 



Again, on the second attempt in December of 

 the same year, they first met with ice in about 

 02° south latitude, and 172-173^ west longitude; 

 and on the 15th, saw field ice in latitude 66^.- On 

 the 30th of January 1 774, they were stopped by 

 immense ice-fields in latitude 71^ lo' 30", and 

 107° west longitude, which was the most con- 

 siderable approximation towards the South Pole 

 that had ever been effected. 



Thus, it appears, that there subsists a remarkable 

 difference between the two hemispheres, with re- 

 gard to the approach of the ice towards the equa- 

 tor ; the ice of the souihern, being much less 

 pervious, and extending to much lower latitudes^ 

 than that of the northern hemisphere : — 



That the 73d or 74th degree of north latitude 

 can be attained at any season of the year ; where- 

 as the 71st degree of south latitude, has been but 

 once passed: — And, 



That, whilst the antarctic ne plus ultra appears 

 to be the 72d degree of latitude, that of the arctic 

 extends full 600 miles further ; the nearest ap* 



y2 



