xii 



INTRODUCTION. 



extremity of that Continent; that, in the adoption of either of 

 these plans, I was to be guided by the advice and information 

 which I should receive from the wintering servants of the Hudson's 

 Eay Company, who would be instructed by their employers to co-ope- 

 rate cordially in the prosecution of the objects of the Expedition, 

 and who would provide me with the necessary escort of Indians to 

 act as guides, interpreters, game-killers, Sfc. ; and also with such 

 articles of clothing, ammunition, snow-shoes, presents, Sfc, as should 

 be deemed expedient for me to take. That as another principal 

 object of the Expedition was to amend the very defective geo- 

 graphy of the northern part of North America, I was to be very 

 careful to ascertain correctly the latitude and longitude of every 

 remarkable spot upon our route, and of all the bays, harbours, 

 rivers, headlands, ^-c, that might occur along the Northern Shore 

 of North America. That, in proceeding along the coast, I should 

 erect conspicuous marks at places where ships might enter, or to 

 which a boat could be sent ; and to deposit information as to 

 the nature of the coast for the use of Lieutenant Parry. That, in 

 the Journal of our route, I should register the temperature of the 

 air, at least three times in every twenty-four hours; together with 

 the state of the wind and weather, and any other meteorological 

 phenomenon. That I should not neglect any opportunity of observing 

 and noting down the dip and variation of the magnetic needle, 

 and the intensity of the magnetic force ; and should take particular 

 notice whether any, and what kind or degree of, influence the 

 Aurora Borealis might appear to exert on the magnetic needle ; and 

 to notice whether that phenomenon was attended with any noise ; 



