352 



GREENLAND OR POLAR ICE. 



The direct route would be pointed out, for 

 some part of the way at least, by the magnetic 

 needle ; and when its pole should be directed to- 

 wards the zenith, should that position ever ob- 

 tain, the sun would be the only guide. Or, 

 the position of the true north being onge ascer- 

 tained, three sledges on a line, at a convenient 

 distance apart, might enable the leading one to 

 keep a direct course. A chronometer would be an 

 indispensable requisite, as the opportunity for lunar 

 observations could not be expected to occur suf- 

 ficiently often. Were the Pole gained, the bear- 

 ing of the sun at the time of noon, by a chrono- 

 meter adjusted to the meridian of North-west 

 Spitzbergen, would afford a line of direction for 

 the return ; and, the position in regard to longitude 

 (were the sun visible) could be corrected, at least 

 twice a-day, as the latitude decreased. The de- 

 grees of longitude being so contracted, any requir- 

 ed position would be pointed out by the watch, 

 with the greatest precision. 



3. (a.) Among the dangers to be apprehended, 

 the coldness of the air stands prominent. As, 

 however, the cold is not sensibly different, between 

 the latitudes of 70° and 80'' with a strong north 

 wind, it may be presumed that at the Pole itself, 

 it would be very little more oppressive than at 

 the borders of the main ice, in the 8 Ist. degree of 

 nprth latitude, under a hard northerly gale : And 

 since this cold is supportable, that of the Pole 

 may be deenied so likewise. The injurious effects 



