.OTk0.NjQ0Njc
of the lost party, and by means of which every portion of the coast may be explored for the expedition itself, or traces of its existence. Such exploration having but few, and those next word underlined: known, obstacles to encounter, and proceeding over “lands that are known” without the constant uncertainty of the ability of progress, which must attend the sea Expeditions.
The Routes overland to the Polar Sea, are by the Mackenzie River, the Copper Mine and the Great Fish River, the first intersecting the Western portion of the coast, the second the Central, the third the most Eastern portion in the vicinity of Boothia Felix — a most probable position assignable to the missing expedition —
It is known that Sir J. Richardson —one of the most gallant and adventurous of Polar Travellers — is to proceed by the Mackenzie with a land party to search the coast Eastward of the mouth of that river — but it is equally certain that from his distant wintering ground, he can make good but a small portion of the survey — for on the high authority of Simpson, even from the less distant Coppermine, it was utterly impossible to reach even the Western land of Boothia Felix and return before winter by the former river. It is equally certain that should Sir J. F.