“That the 73d or 74th degree of north latitude can be attained at any season of the year, whereas the 71st degree of south latitude has been but once passed.--And, “That, whilst the antarctic _ne plus ultra_ appears to be the 72d degree of latitude, that of the arctic extends full 600 miles farther; the nearest approach to the southern pole being a distance of 1130 miles, but to the north, only 510 miles. “With regard to the probability of exploring the regions more immediately in the vicinity of the pole than has yet been accomplished, or even of reaching the pole itself, I anticipate, that, without reference to the reasoning on which the opinion is grounded, it might be deemed the frenzied speculation of a disordered fancy. I flatter myself, however, that I shall be able to satisfy the Society, that the performance of a journey over a surface of ice, from the north of Spitzbergen to the pole, is a project which might be undertaken, with at least a probability of success. “It must be allowed, that many known difficulties would require to be surmounted--many dangers to be encountered--and that some circumstances might possibly occur, which would at once annul the success of the undertaking. Of these classes of objections, the following strike me as being the most formidable, which, after briefly stating, I shall individually consider in their order. 1. The difficulty of performing a journey of 1200 miles, 600 going and 600 returning, over a surface of ice--of procuring a sufficient conveyance--and of carrying a necessary supply of provisions and apparatus, as well as attendants. “The difficulties may be increased by (_a._) Soft snow; (_b._) Want of continuity of the ice; (_c._) Rough ice; and (_d._) Mountainous ice. “2. The difficulty of ascertaining the route, and especially of the return, arising from the perpendicularity of the magnetical needle. “3. Dangers to be apprehended, (_a._) From excessive cold; (_b._) From wild beasts.“ “4. Impediments which would frustrate the scheme; (_a._) Mountainous land; (_b._) Expanse of sea; (_c._) Constant cloudy atmosphere. “1. It is evident that a journey of 1200 miles, under the existing difficulties, would be too arduous a task to be undertaken and performed by human exertions alone, but would require the assistance of some fleet quadrupeds, accustomed to the harness.