In case an expedition of discovery should be fitted out for the purpose of making the attempt, by either route, the safety of the party would require that two vessels should be equipped with rather more than an ordinary number of men, and with a double number of boats at least; some so light and portable as to be easily carried by men over ice, or necks of land, should it become necessary. Vessels propelled by steam would be preferable to any other, as they could more easily avoid the floating ice in passing the verge; as, also ascend rapid rivers in the interior, should such be discovered, and it be found necessary to ascend them. The vessels should be equipped with masts, sails, and every part of rigging necessary for sailing; with a ballast of coal, which should not be used, or any other fuel for steam purposes, until they come within the neighbourhood of the ice, through which, by pursuing a proper course, it is believed, they would in a few days pass, and arrive at a more temperate climate, and a country where they would be abundantly supplied with both wood and provisions. Perhaps it would be advisable to take on board a small boat, with a proportionate steam-engine, for the purpose of running up shallow rivers, or along coasts, to make more minute observations. But the most important matter of all to be observed, and that on which the success of the expedition must depend, would be a proper observance of the principles of the theory, and a due attention to the winding meridians, and curvatures of the parallels of latitude, when the verge shall be crossed; and which will require the party to be continually varying their course as they proceed forward in accordance with the place at which the attempt shall be made. The expense of an expedition of this kind, would not be very great; at least not considerable when compared with the magnitude of the object to be accomplished, though I have not made, nor do I consider myself adequate to make minute estimates on the subject. But I should conclude that a sum of one or two hundred thousand dollars would be amply sufficient to defray all expenses attending such an expedition. Should an attempt be made by way of the south polar opening, with vessels fitted out as for a whaling voyage, the expense would probably not be the one fifth part of that sum. And were an expedition undertaken over land, from some post high north on the continent of America, the expense must be still less. FOOTNOTE: [47] _From a London paper, under the head of_