Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-02-01

though the temperature in contact with the
ice is necessarily low, the swinging lamp
gives comfortable heat of 45o.
The expanse of ice which constitutes the
polar flow is unlike that of our own rivers.
The ice table, whose mean thickness may
be estimated at eight feet, are grouped
together in every possible diversity and con-
fusion, with gnarled, bristling ridges and
yawning chasms the only deviation to its
snow covered surface being where the black
water streaks it in snaky lines. Over these
icy tables the little party pursue their
course, and when interrupted by ice ridges
or running water, the sledge is unladen,
and piece by piece transported either upon
the shoulders or in gutta percha boats.
The sledge is then re-laden, and the party
proceed as before.
The extreme fatigue of the party during
o days travel causes them to look forward
with comfortable antici atoms to the hours
of sleep-to the nightly halt. For this the
tent is hastily pitched, or the snow house
prepared. A waterproof wolf skin is then
spread upon the damp surface of the snow.
Every man then rubs his surface with dry
snow and puts on his one change of cloth
ing, steps into his wolf skin and awaits
with patience the preparations for supper,
which consists of rude soup prepared
from the Pemmican and hot potations from
the coffee extract. Alcohol and tallow are
the only fuel used, and little lamp consti-
tutes the entire cooking apparatus.
DR.. Kane explained at length the pecu-
liar availability of his projected line of
travel to scientific research. 1t was to be, if
successful, north of the recorded experience
of man, upon q line of travel intermediate
between the Asiatic and American poles of
cold, and bearing valuable relation to
great questions in connection with the dis
tribution of heat upon the planet.
With regard to the determination of the
intensity of the Earth's m ghetto forces, that
route was especially valuable. Perhaps, no.
where upon the globe could the deficient
elements of the Gaussian formula be more
favorably contributed.
For specific and comparative observations
in Natural History-the incubaling habits
of the wanderers from our own shores-the
mysterious migrations of Northern migra-
tory life-the proposed track of the expe-
dition was teeming with interest
In the Smithsonian Institute the lecturer
stated he recognized a powerful Goa tutor of
science, and his object in appearing before
it was to secure its CO operation, and that
of Congress, in the thorough scientific or
ganization of the party.
The liberality of two distinguished mer-
chants, George Peabody and Henry Grin
nelly had already supplied the means of
simple search; but the scientific organiza-
ton of the party was not yet fully perfect
ed. For the furtherance of that object the
Geographical Society of New York had al
ready contributed fund for the salaries of
observers for thermal and magnetic regis
tration; and Pref. Henry with an enlarged
view of the objects or the Smithsonian In
stitution, the increase and diffusion Of
knowledge among men-had volunteered to
supply, upon contingency of future repay
ment by Congress, the necessary instru-
ments. For the completion of this organi
cation which it would be his pride to ma
ture and render as efficient as possible he
would also acknowledge the valuable sug-