Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-03-09
DIR. Kane's Arctic Expedition.

We learn with great pleasure that the organi-
zaticn of DIR. Kane's expedition is now nearly
complete, and that it may expected to sail by the
middle of April. In addition to the brig Advance,
the expedition will carry out smaller vessel in
frame ready to be put together when necessary.
1t takes also five whale-boats two boats made of
cedar, by Mr.. Fish, of this city, and four gutta-
percha boats which can also be used as sledges.
On the upper coast of Greenland, 4S dogs wilIal.
so be added to the party. The scientific corps
will consist of three gentlemen besides Dr. Kane
himself, who will not only discharge, the duties
of Commander of the expedition, but will also
share in its scientific observations and labors.
There will be an astronomer, who will Cooperate
with DR., K. in all matters relating to general
physics, zoologist who will pay particular at
tenton to the observation of the radiata and lower
orders of marine life, the products of the dredge
being especially cared for and general draughts-
man. The expedition takes out transit instru-
ment, and will it is hoped be able to establish
permanent observatory at the head of Smiths
Sound during the whole time that the Advance re-
mains in that region. The sailing officers will be
Mr.. Brooks, McGeary, John Ward Wilson, and
Amos Bonshall, all volunteers. Mr. Brooks was
the boatswan of the former expedition. Mr.. Nc
Geary has been in Bafin's Bay on whaling expe-
ditions, has been wrecked there and knows the
coast thoroughly. Messrs. Wilson and BonshaH
are sailors from taste and habit but gentlemen of
position and fortune, who 60 out from a love- of
adventure, The crew consists of eleven picked
men, stalwart fellows, from Maine. Each man
has one of Marston's rifles with a due supply of
ammunition, as they will have to rely on hunting
for fresh meat for themselves, and food for their
dogs, during the whole time of their stay in high
Northern latitudes. The supply of food taken
out will consist of Borden's Meat Biscuit, and
pemmican. The Navy Department has ordered
DR.. Kane to receive on board any articles of diet
that vctualers or others may desire to send for
trial, and on his return to report the result of the
experiment made with each article. s=I
Dr. Kane has also been directed by the Depart.
ment to prepare detailed report of the scientific
observations and the results of the expedition for
publication by the Government on his return A
mong the great subjects to which his attention is
particularly directed by his order is the distribu-
ton of magnetism, and the question of the exist
ence ana extent OF an open sea ABOUT the pole.
We must here once more express our profound
regret that DR.. Kane has not steam propeller
at his command for the purposes of this expedi-
ton. If ever a seaman and brave adventurer
deserved every aid and every facility here is the
case. His plan of search is as original as it is
brilliant: it is the result of science and study at
once profound, penetrating and comprehensive;
his energetic and admirable mind has succeeded
in providing the means of'taking with him COM
plete and well equipped scientific corps; his COM
rades are men of force and character; an noble
and manly enthusiasm will inspire the expedition
from its Commander to the last man of its crew;
and how much it is to be regretted that they will
not have the advantage of steam to hurry them
forward at the earliest possible day to the of
their arduous and noble labors. But it is fruitless
to utter our regret; it will not create propellers;
and we have no hope that Congress will do any
thing SO good to set apart for their service.
-Neo York Tribune. ste5 - -