Observations on the late Expedition of C apt. Parry. 245 
tinued current setting through these seas, from west to east, 
which must carry in that direction all the loose masses of ice 
floating through them. These masses, being driven with pecu- 
liar force against the straits opening into such a sea, must, we 
fear, accumulate so as permanently to choke them up. This is 
evidently the cause of the huge mass of apparently perpetual 
ice, which bars the Strait of the Fury and Hecla; and the same 
cause seems likely to operate against every strait opening in a 
similar manner into the ocean. The only case in which this 
cause would not act, is, where the strait should open in a direc- 
tion due north or due south, or even with a bend easterly ; so 
that the current might pass by without entering : but we doubt 
if this be very probable. The general direction of Prince Re- 
gents Inlet is indeed from north to south ; but there is such a 
declination to the westward, as must probably expose it to the 
action of this perpetual ice-current. 
For these reasons, there appears ground to anticipate, that the 
mode in which the northern coast of America will be delineated, 
is by land-expeditions. Government, accordingly, as we learn 
from the Quarterly Review, has three in contemplation. One, 
under Captain Lyon, is to proceed from Repulse Bay to the 
mouth of Hearne's River; another, under Captain Franklin, 
from Mackenzie's River to Behring's Straits ; while Dr Richard- 
son, who accompanies him to the first point, proposes to trace 
the way back to Hearne's River. When we consider, indeed, 
the various obstacles which beset the traveller in this unexplored 
region of rugged mountains, broad lakes, and winding shores, 
we cannot expect that even these enterprising individuals will 
effect any of the above objects in a single season; but we doubt 
not that every thing will ultimately yield to their persevering 
exertion. From this point also, expeditions in barks, or over the 
ice, might explore the insular tracts of this great ocean, as ef- 
fectually as could be done by large vessels. It should seem ne- 
cessary, indeed, to support these operations by a depot of some 
magnitude formed at the mouth either of Hearne’s or Macken- 
zie's River. 
It may be expected that we should here notice Captain 
Cochrane's suggestion of commencing the voyage of discovery 
at Behring's Strait. It has certainly the advantage, that the 
