HO! FOR THE NORTH POLE.

Fifth reason: Spitzbergen affords numerous safe harbors, even in winter. Among them the most advantageous are the Hollander's Bay of the Dutch and the Magdalena Bay of the English, protected not only against the fury of the sea and wind, but also against every danger from the ice.

Upon the shore of the first, the Dutch built their arctic metropolis, Smeerenberg, of which many vestiges still remain. When Marten was there in 1671, he saw several buildings, like a little village-four particularly well preserved, two warehouses and two dwellings-and on the opposite shore, at a place called the Cookery of Harlem, or Harlingen, several other houses, kettles or boilers, barrels, and all sorts of tools (likewise a piece of ordnance-Herman Moll, 1723) left by different parties and the original settlers.

Where men in the sixteenth century built a town and wintered in safety, men in the nineteenth century, with all the improvements in science, can certainly manage to exist for a year or so, buoyed up with the hopes of working out the only great worldproblem not yet solved.

Sixth reason: There is ample time and daylight to prosecute discoveries in this region. The day at Spizbergen is three and a half months long, without an interval of solar obscurity. From the 3d of May until the 3d of August the sun does not set; the climate is very constant, and during the three summer months the weather generally is very Pencalm and the atmosphere undisturbed. nant states that the full summer day lasts from the 3d of May until the middle of August. In September the day is hardly distinguishable, and by the middle of October the long and dismal winter night commences. During the three summer months it is often intensely warm, so much so that the tar or pitch will melt and run from the ships' scams, and the sailors be compelled to work in their shirts.

seek to understand and act in accordance
with her teachings. Her opportunities, how-
ever, are often like sharp two-edged tools.
If men seize them, at once adroitly and
courageously, by the handle, they secure
powerful and useful aids, but if by the blade,
they either wound or destroy themselves.
This is peculiarly the case in polar explora-
tion. If the navigator takes advantage of
the moment when the ice opens, as if to wel-
come his adventurous investigations, he ef-
fects an entrance, and the goal is before him.
If, on the other hand, he acts with timidity
or inefficiently he gets nipped.

To secure an entrance under ordinary cir-
In order
cumstances it is almost indispensable to be
at the North early in the season.
to do so, the most important considera-
tion is the selection of a secure winter-har-
bor in the remotest arctic land, which will
afford any adequate resources for sustaining
life. In our last article we endeavored to
prove the superior advantages presented by
Spitzbergen. This view is fully sustained
by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Sabine, R.A.,
F.R.S., in his translation of Wrangell's
"Sibera and Polar Sea." According to the
Russian navigator's unhesitating opinion, an
open polar sea does exist, of which he had
ocular proofs as well as circumstantial evi-
dence.

"From whatever point of the coast," Wrangell says "that he took his departure the result was invariably the same; after an ice journey (northwards), of more or less continuance, he arrived where further progress in sledges was impossible; where he beheld the wide, immeasurable ocean spread out be"Our frefore his gaze, a fearful and magnificent but, to him, a melancholy spectacle." quent experience," he remarks in his appendix, "that north and north-west winds, and north and north-east winds also, are damp to a degree which was sufficient to wet our clothes, is also a corroboration of the existence of an open sea at no great distance in those directions."

Since the first of these articles appeared the writer has been attacked several times for what was termed his reproduction of arguments already used. That is all very true. Many of these arguments have been used before, but they have never been used up. Their truth has never been disproved, and what the Dutch left undone, or actually accomplished centuries since, has never been completed or even done over again.

Having laid before our readers the manifest advantages which Spitzbergen possesses -greater than those of any other arctic region-we will endeavor, in a few days, to show how they may be turned to account in prosecuting a successful attempt to reach the pole. The conclusion will not much further tax the patience of any one who takes an interest in the subject; but, as we believe, that in order to reach the pole it is necessary Those who presume to question the probto winter over at the North, it became necessary to show that such a sojourn could be ability of the accounts of Dutch ship-masmade, not only with entire safety to the ves-ters of the sixteenth and seventeenth censels employed, but with perfect security and comparative comfort to their crews.

Nature affords the most reliable data for the guidance of mankind, if men would only

THIRD SERIES. LIVING AGE.

526

turies, and assign as a conclusive reason for their doubts the inefficiency of the nautical instruments of that day, for the accurate determination of latitude and longitude,

cannot dispute the correctness of Wrangell's east to the North Pole, is less than seven narrative, inasmuch as he was a talented and hundred statute miles. Scarcely any ocean experienced officer of the Russian navy, am- steamer afloat makes, on an average, less ply provided in every respect to carry out than seven miles an hour. At this speed it his plans and orders, and return authentic would only require four days to accomplish reports of what he had accomplished. the passage, provided, as many believe, that On the other hand, the world received the sea is sufficiently open for such navigawith confidence, the account of Kane's open tion. From the pole, south by east to Behsea on the word of a mere un-scientific sub-ring Straits, the distance is one thousand ordinate. It is vain, however to argue this six hundred and eighty miles, at the same question, for wilful unbelievers never were rate of speed a trip of ten days, and thence converted. Sufficient be it to propose a to Jeddo, capital of Japan, about two thouquestion, and when that is answered it is sand two hundred miles, thirteen days more. time enough for the adversaries of the Dutch arctic discovery to commence with their cavillings and doubts.

on runners, which could not only propel it- | places open water is discerned;" 2d, that self with almost equal facility over the ice"those who have been on the most elevated and through the water, but, by its inherent parts of Nordöster Island declare that as tractile power, draw itself up on to the ice far as it is visible open water is only seenby the application of its own machinery, in but to what distance it may continue so it is somewhat the same manner that a walrus impossible for them to ascertain, as an atclambers or hauls itself up on a reef or floe. tempt for the discovery has never been Drawings of such a conveyance were pub-made." lished, with explanatory text, a year or two since, in one of the American illustrated papers.

There is no necessity of going into the details of the vessel's outfit, that is, in regard to the quantity and quality of the proThe majority of those who are justified visions, etc. Sufficient stores, however, in speaking with authority reject the idea of should be provided for at least five years. employing dogs or reindeer as being unre- Scientific men have devoted so much time liable; the latter utterly so. Dogs have to this subject that it is useless to dwell upon failed, even when managed by the Russians, it. The same remark applies to clothing, Cossacks, and Siberians, who should under-medicine, etc.

stand their management better than any It is a conceded fact that two strong, other people. It would be next to impossi- handy, quick ships should be sent out toble to carry forward provisions-in addition gether, the writer believes that three would to the supplies required for the men-suffi- be far better,-propellers similar to McClincient to enable the dogs to work to advantage, and it is well known that draft-dogs, if under fed or over worked, die like sheep affected by murrain. The idea of using reindeer has been peremptorily repudiated by those most capable of estimating their availability.

Another and a better reason for rejecting the services of animals and for being at the extreme north in the autumn and winter is, that the Russians-who have enjoyed the best opportunities of judging-affirm that the Polar Sea is an open sea in December, and, although specially so in that month, throughout the winter. Moreover, the experienced Dutch whale-captain Walig testified that he found the most open sea in September. Were these statements only partially correct, and should the navigation remain open only for ten days, steam vessels, lying ready in a Spitzbergen port, could slip out and upon the first appearance of a channel, circumnavigate the pole and return with ease in less than that space of time.

So many arguments have been presented in our previous articles for believing in the existence of an open polar sea that it is needless to recapitulate them here. One new fact, however, is important when taken in connection with Wrangell's assurances that every one of his ice-journeys to the north was arrested by "the wide, immeasurable ocean." Russians who have wintered over, year after year, upon north-east land -the north-easternmost of the three or four principal islands of the Spitzbergen Archipelago-stated in their written answer to Colonel Beaufoys' question, "what are the obstacles to crossing the ice, in winter, to the pole" that they considered such a transit impracticable; 1st, because some of the ice is continually drifting about, so that in many

tock's Fox, which could unhang their screws and hoist them in-board with speed and security, suitably strengthened and amply secured, fortified is the technical term,-especially at the sterns, where the screw would be thrust out or hauled in, against the encounters with ice.

The number of the crew should not be greater than would suffice to furnish detachments to proceed on with the boats and yet leave enough on board to navigate the vessels. As far as possible, seamen and stokers should be selected, who, in addition to their experience in their peculiar duties, understood some of the mechanical arts or trades (particularly the different branches of smithwork and carpentering), whose employment might be rendered conducive to the general welfare in case of accident.

Captain Phipps had ninety-seven men with him in the Race-Horse. This seems too large a complement. Others recommend less than half; but the number after all would have to be proportionate to the size of each vessel sent.

One fact has been proved by experience: that a small vessel can be built far stronger, without impairing its buoyancy, than a larger one; so much so that it has been calculated that the capabilities of resistance possessed by a vessel of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty tons is twice as great as that of a vessel double that size, and above that size the ratio of superiority increases in a wonderful manner.

Propellers of great comparative power, of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred tons actual burden, would seem to be about the size generally recommended. Each should be supplied with a-sufficient number of boats to carry the crews of at least two of the ships-(in case of the wreck of the

larger vessels)-besides an extra number to provide against casualties.

The three consorts, together, should carry two smaller vessels in quarters on board, or the materials for constructing decked launches, or the ice water steamboat, referred to herein, capable of transporting the whole of the joint crews and sufficient provisions for two or three months. These, as well as materials for a couple of houses, might be substituted in a measure for the coal ballast, since bituminous coal can be readily obtained at Spitzbergen. The houses might be required at Spitzbergen as hospitals, etc., and would add to the comforts and health of the expedition.

to twenty men can propel with oars-sufficiently capacious to transport the requisite provisions, etc. This fact occasions the greatest fear for the success of Mr. Hall or Dr. Hayes. Courage and science can accomplish wonders with but little means, but there is a bound to human achievements; a bound set by the very organization of humanity. To perish, however intrepidly, without conquering, is a mere prodigal waste of earth's most precious possessions. Why should the list of martyrs-which already embraces such heroic names as Barendtz, Hudson, Franklin and Kane-be swelled with those of other glorious victims to their zeal; when government could ensure their success, and preIt is very questionable if it is advisable to serve them for the enjoyment of the fruit of employ naval officers as supreme directors their labors and perils, by according for sciof the arctic exploring expedition, although entific purposes and the national glory, a porthe vessels should be subjected to the arti- tion of those enormous sums, which it ancles of war and the strictest military marine nually wastes or casts without stint into the regulations, for it is almost certain that pri- greedy and shameless bosoms of political vate enterprise has reached not only a higher parasites, government contractors, and the arctic, but also a lower antarctic, latitude thousand other venal, unprincipled, disgracethan any government expedition. Witness ful and disgracing human leeches, who the achievements mentioned in the preced- throng the seats of the states and general ing papers as to whale-fishing, polar explo- government. rations, and the exploit of Weddell, who And now the writer lays aside his pen, made his way as far to the south as any pre- not because the subject is exhausted, but beviously recorded national attempt, and per- cause he fears to exhaust the patience of haps, as far as any actual antarctic penetra- your readers. In the course of the preparations. tion of these articles he has gathered toA tried and experienced whaling or seal-gether quite a valuable collection of works ing captain should be placed in command, or, if a naval commander is preferred, such a one should be sent as ice-master or pilot, with power to direct the course of the vessels, leaving the mere government of the crews with the military chief.

It scarcely seems possible that a singleboat expedition will be able to row to the pole, from the fact that it is impossible to construct a boat-such as a crew from ten

on arctic navigation, from which sufficient testimony has been gathered to convince him of the existence of an open polar sea. If in these articles a single new fact has been elicited or a new argument or idea suggested, the labor is amply repaid, and with a firm belief that enterprise will yet find a way to the pole, he bids a courteous adieu to his readers, with his best hopes that for American enterprise the palm will be reserved. ANCHOR.

A VERY interesting incident in the life of the late eminent novelist, G. P. R. James, has been told us by one of his oldest and most intimate literary friends, and it tells so highly in favor of the late Mr. James' generous and honorable disposition, that it ought not to be reserved only for private relating. When Mr. James was a young man his cousin was about to marry the daughter of an eminent lawyer of the time, and the title deeds of this gentleman's entailed property were, at the request of the father of the young lady, submitted to his examination. The

keen lawyer discovered that the parents of the gentleman, although moving in the best society of London, had never been married. Mr. James was made acquainted with this awkward fact, and at the same time informed that he himself was the heir-at-law. The match was about to be broken off, and much distress occasioned on every side, when Mr. James, having quictly taken possession of the property, went at once to the unhappy young man, his relative, and conveyed to him the whole of the property, which amounted to a very handsome independence.

lished in the last year. We propose to say a few words on each of these classes of his in some measure indicate what we think to works, to notice briefly their contents, and be their value. But our object is to remind our readers what M. About has written, rather than to give any account of his works that could be thought to supersede a perusal of them. Where so much of the excellence of the composition depends on how the things are said, and not on what is said, the only way is to go to the books themselves. An abridgment of Candide would be a very du and unsatisfactory substitute for the Candide of Voltaire.

M. ABOUT is one of the cleverest of living Frenchmen. Perhaps, in his own way, he has no rival. No one in this generation has come so near the sprightliness, the worldly shrewdness, and the drollery of Voltaire. There are many passages in his tales which, without giving any painful sense of direct imitation, are almost to be ranked with Candide and L'Ingénu. Like Voltaire, M. About The Roi des Montagnes is, we think, incharms us not by direct sallies of witty writ- disputably the best of M. About's lighter ing so much as by happy turns of language novels. It exhibits much more strikingly and a certain well-bred impertinence of style. than any other his power of making the imLike Voltaire, he has the art of treating im- possible probable, and of surprising us with possible and fantastic incidents as if they the audacity and felicity of the language in were probable, and of carrying us along which the fun and gayety of the story are with a narrative that we laugh at ourselves clothed. Many of our readers will remember for admitting as credible. He has the gen- that this king of the mountains is a brigandius of dramatic construction, which enables chief named Hadji-Stavros, who is supposed Frenchmen alone of all people in the world to haunt the neighborhood of Athens; that to make any number of good acting plays a young German and an English lady and out of the most miserable materials. Like her daughter fall into his clutches, whence Voltaire, too, he is fond of applying his sense the ladies are rescued by giving an order for and his wit to the questions of the day, and their ransom on a banking-house in which of treating political problems with that sug- the mamma is a partner, and where the briggestive lightness which sometimes seems to and has fortunately an equal sum lodged; open veins of rich and available thought, and that the German is rescued by an Amerand sometimes invests the most serious af- ican, who first seizes on the brigand's daughfairs of life with an atmosphere of mockery. ter as a hostage, and then appears on the Unlike Voltaire, however, he never trades on mountains with a revolver. The scenes that the public appetite for polished licentious-grow out of these incidents are in the highest ness, and his books are unsoiled with any degree comical. thing like coarseness. The day is also past in France when Scripture characters were considered to have principally existed that they might provide food for a neat persiflage. Of course, Frenchmen will be French, and M. About is not a devout Catholic; but his works contain little that need shock the legitimate susceptibility of a Protestant family. They are therefore well worth reading; for the language is excellent. They are very amusing, they are flavored with too strong a common sense to be merely funny, and they illustrate a considerable section of the thoughts and feelings of modern France.

All is farce, and often the farce is sufficiently broad; but the language has a sustained counterfeit of gravity that gives the fun that quiet air which is necessary to make fun really enjoyable. The relations of Hadji-Stavros to the Greek government are the groundwork of this fun. This brigand-chief is not only a popular hero, but a recognized ally of the government, having control of many members of the legislative body, and a good understanding with half the officers of the army. The contrast between western notions of a government and the Greek government, as represented by M. About, is the main source of our mirth. The position of a robber infinitely respected and much liked, with a regular band of soldiers, a daughter at a boarding-school, and a good balance at his banker's, and occupying a stronghold close to the capital, seems ludicrously incredible, until the good-humored simplicity and cheerful truthfulness of the story gradually persuades us to accept Hadji-Stavros as the most natural and probable person in the

M. About's books, which are now growing tolerably numerous, may be divided into three classes. There are his lighter novels, which are pure romances of society, and which are telling because they are so well constructed and so admirably written; there are his more serious stories, and the books in which he has described his views on pictures and on the scenes through which he has travelled; and lastly, there are the two studies of current political topics, which he has pub-world.