INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 
49 
found by Morton. On the east side the natives seen 
in 76° N., in 1823, would find the icy shore and lands 
to the south an impassable barrier in that direction. 
In 1869 the natives could not be found, although 
their deserted habitations were visible, and musk 
oxen, &c., abounded. These facts render it probable 
that these natives, or rather their descendants, have 
gone north of 76°, while the musk oxen and other 
animals have come from the north. Probably, too, there 
is a tract of habitable land between the district north of 
the Humboldt glacier and the east coast of Greenland, 
in 76° N. And probably also there are natives in 
these high northern regions who have been isolated 
from other tribes for many centuries. On the Parry 
Islands every bay and cape yields evidences of a large 
population where now the region is deserted. 
The following summary will suffice to show that the 
exploration of the Polar regions cannot fail to have a 
most important influence in advancing almost every 
science. What man is bold enough to assert that 
science is absolutely useless ? What man, even the 
most utilitarian, would advocate the abolition of all 
science as the best means to increase wealth, or to 
promote the welfare of nations ? Let us hope there 
are few such men. Let us also hope there are many 
who will lend a hand to removing the obstructions. 
E 
