Page:Proposed Expedition to Explore Ellesmere Land - 1894.djvu/33

5 (1) The complete mapping of the unknown Arctic area (including contours of elevation and depth).

(2) An extensive and connected study of Arctic meteorology.

(3) A more accurate determination of the figure of the earth.

(4) A fuller knowledge of the laws of distribution and variations of magnetism, and especially of the aurora.

(5) Geologic maps of all the Arctic islands, probably the discovery of valuable mines, and important facts bearing on the history of the glacial period in Europe and America.

(6) An accurate chart of Arctic tides and currents, supplementing the Atlantic chart.

(7) Increased knowledge of the action of physical forces under the influence of extreme cold, especially as regards the properties of the air.

(8) A complete study of the Arctic fauna and flora, and their life conditions, both on land and sea.

(9) Probably the discovery of new whaling grounds.

(10) The study of at least one Eskimo tribe (living, according to native reports, on the west shore of Ellesmere Land), never before seen by white men, and which, therefore, may be supposed to have preserved its primitive characteristics.

(11) A splendid training to a large number of young men, especially college graduates.

(12) A number of life-saving stations for the crews of ship-wrecked whalers (without expense to the Life-saving Service).

(13) The North Pole, equalled as a natural wonder only by the South Pole, made accessible to travelers.

(14) The complete cessation of unsystematic attempts, and thereby the saving of life and money.

{15) The best preliminary training for exploring the South Polar regions.

No lover of science can think of this prospect without a feeling of anticipated gratification at so rich a harvest. Isolated facts are almost valueless compared to a system of simultaneous observations at many places and continued for many years.

The voyage next year is to constitute merely the beginning of this system. The main object of this initial voyage will be the