The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-03-07

in the Arctic regions, with view to
those systematic synchronous Observa-
tiOns SO necessary in making proper
progress in the discoveries IN
meteorological and other kindred
sciences.
There is little doubt but that many
of the natural sciences might be much
enriched by observations directed
especially in their directions. Geogra
phical discovery has hitherto been the
main point of the expeditions sent out,
and while this is no doubt a very i'm
portant feature, yet there are many
others which should receive attention.
Usually the expeditions have been 50
conducted as to preclude anything
beyond mere locomotion, all appliances.
for discoveries in other directions
than that of geographical science
being left behind.
Under the colony system, or what is
now known as the Howgate plan,
there is no doubt that many interest
ing discoveries in various science
can be made that have hitherto escape
observation under the systems viii
made locOmotion in a nOrtherly dire,
ton almost the only thing sought fo,.
At least, this is the opinion Of man
scientists, including such men as Pro
fessor Loomis of Yale College anC
Professor Henry Of the Smithsonian
OF the practicability of the colony
scheme as means of geographic ,
discovery we may say that it wa
brought forward as long ago as 1856
by DR.. Hayes, the Arctic explore :.
who still believes in it; that it was
favorite idea of Captain Hall, W
would, no doubt, have endeavoret
carry it out had he lived; and that e
survivors Of the Polaris expedition al
indorse it. AS to discoveries and re-
searches in other sciences Professo,
Henry gives the following as some
that would and shonld be made b.
such expeditions; Pendulum expert :
ments, to better determine the shap,
of the earth; greater number an
more continued observations for til
more perfect calculation of the mag
netism of the earth; a series OF
observations on the tides for at leas
a year; and the results of large.
series of observations on the windsc
| the globe than those now pOssesst
are necessary for completing o.
knowledge Of that subject. Besid
these particular observations the Ir
| fessor thinks that the whole field
natural history could be enriched
collections in the line of botan
mineralogy, geology, etc., and ma
facts of interest obtained with rega .
to the influence Of extreme cold 4,
animal and vegetable life.
! In view of these reasons, and Others
which our space forbids us to give,
the House Committee ON Nayal
Affairs have reported bill anthori'
ing the formation of a colony on ~
HOwgate plan on or near the shor :.
Lady Franklin Bay near where as
of coal has been discovered. Stl
substantial buildings are to be carei'
there, and the c0lonists are t. /
| furnished with provisions and oth
necessaries for three years. j .
scientists accompanying the expo
ton, who are to be under the direct
| Of the National Academy of Scie1 =
are to be provided with all the nc
sary appliances for scientific disco
including telephone lines for III.
tanning communications betY
successive stations, and balloons
purposes of observation. It's thong
that the colonists will graduP
become acclimated, and by train
the natives to help them will tins
enabled to push forward into reg
hitherto unknown by taking adyani
of such favorable seasons as
occur. Whether they will succeed
not remains to be seen. AL that
can say is that IL the secrets of the
north are to be discovered, this D
seems more feasible than any BET -
| brought forward. Scientific Am