brilliant discoveries of a Mackenzie, a Franklin, and a Parry!

Whilst, however, the Polar Regions are peculiarly a field for British enterprise, it must still be remembered that there are very great dangers attendant on all researches within the Arctic Circle, and it is questionable, whether even the large interests of science involved in the solution of the problem of a North West Passage, would justify the renewal of any further attempts to set that much contested point at rest. Edward Parry has recorded his opinion, that "it may be tried often, and often fail; but that it is an enterprise within the reasonable limits of practicability, and that it will one day or other be accomplished."

Whether, however, these attempts on the part of England will end with the voyage of Sir John Franklin, is of very little importance at the present moment; indeed, we may candidly avow with Captain Thomas James, "I very well know, that what I have here hastily written, will never discourage any noble Spirit that is minded to bring this so long tried Action to absolute effect; and it is likely withal that there be some, who have a better understanding, and a surer way of prosecuting of it, than myself have; to whose designs I wish a happy success:"-but, although contrary to the opinion of Sir Edward Parry, and especially antagonistic to that unconquerable spirit seemingly inherent in the British Navy, we would earnestly hope, that, should it please the Almighty to send back the gallant Franklin and his devoted crews in safety, England will be careful of again risking the lives of her adventurous sons, in further attempts to discover what cannot be looked upon in any other light than that of a geographical ignis fatuus,

The North West Passage.

APPENDIX.

A LIST OF VESSELS AND OFFICERS ENGAGED IN ARCTIC RESEARCH, FROM 1818 TO 1850.

1818.

Ross.