290 
SIR RODERICK I. MURCHISON’S ADDRESS. 
[May 24, 1858. 
which covers Greenland, hut simply as being analogous to the other 
glaciers of that country, which he, Dr. Rink, had long studied, and 
on which he has written ; — viz., separated masses, which, advancing 
from E. to W., launch or “ calve ” their bergs into a succession of 
fiords. # 
The other subject on which the Danish observer is a critical 
opponent, is the northern extension of the map of Kane as derived 
from the hasty excursion of the ship-steward Morton. As this last 
point underwent an animated discussion, in which Sir G. Back, 
Captain Collinson, and Dr. Armstrong took part, I refer you to our 
forthcoming Proceedings for the conclusions at which they had 
arrived respecting the necessity of removing Washington Land 
some miles to the south, and will now only remark that not a word 
was said upon the occasion which could in any degree affect the 
noble and chivalrous character of Dr. Kane. I 
Of the expedition sent out by Lady Franklin I have little to add 
to my last notice of its departure and arrival at Disco, nor is it pro- 
bable that any other communication will be received until October. 
We have, however, the satisfaction of thinking that, under the 
experienced guidance of M‘Clintock, our friends are at the present 
moment exploring that hitherto untouched land between Bellot Strait 
and the Arctic Magnetic Pole, whence they will follow up the steps 
of our missing countrymen ; and though there are some who will not 
admit the existence of Peel Strait, and more who doubt the possibility 
of navigating it, there are yet to be found others who, considering 
how simply the bugbear of rounding Point Barrow has been dissi- 
* See Journal Royal Geographical Society, vol. xxiii. p. 145 . — Ed. 
f After these lines were penned, I received a copy of the ‘New York Times’ of 
May 6, in which it was announced that Dr. Hayes, the companion of Kane, had laid 
before the Scientific Association of New York a project for a voyage of exploration to the 
North Pole by proceeding beyond the limit of Kane’s researches. This bold project is 
founded on the observations of Dr. Kane and the author, who noted that the growth 
of the plants, as well as the stature of the natives of their farthest north, together with 
the great northward migration of birds, were indications of a gradual decrease of cold to- 
wards the Pole. Hence it is inferred, that the broad zone of greatest cold, or that of 
78° N., being once traversed by a plan indicated, the party would reach an open Polar sea,* 
and a probable temperature of 66°. If the revival of the question of a Polynia should 
be followed up by an expedition sent out on such scientific grounds, we must truly thank 
our Transatlantic kinsmen for such a labour of geographical love. 
Referring to the discussion which took place when Dr. Rink’s memoir was read, let me 
here say that I have had great pleasure, whilst this Address was going through the press, 
in finding that Professor Bache had come to very nearly the same conclusion as Sir G. 
Back, Captain Collinson, and Mr. Arrowsmith. This result being communicated to the 
Society at our last meeting of this session, together with friendly explanations, must have 
convinced Mr. Poor, the representative of the Geographical Society of New York, who was 
present, that nothing had transpired on the part of our countrymen, in relation to the 
voyage of Kane, which exceeded the bounds of fair inquiry among men who were seeking 
out the truth . — June 25. 
