“The southern hemisphere, towards the pole, was explored by Captain Cook, in various meridians, and with indefatigable perseverance. In his first attempt, in 1772, they met with ice in about 51° south, and longitude 21° east. They saw great fields in 55° south, on the 17th of January, 1773, and, on February the 24th, were stopped by field-ice in 62° south latitude, and 95° east longitude.
“Again, on the second attempt, in December of the same year, they first met with ice in about 62° south latitude, and 172-173° west longitude; and on the 15th, saw field-ice in 66°. On the 30th January, 1774, they were stopped by immense ice-fields in latitude 71° 10´ 30´´ and 107° west longitude, which was the most considerable approximation towards the south pole that had ever been effected.
“Thus, it appears, that there subsists a remarkable difference between the two hemispheres, with regard to the approach of the ice towards the equator; the ice of the southern being much less pervious, and extending to much lower latitudes than that of the northern hemisphere.
“That the 73d or 74th degree of north latitude can be attained at any season of the year, whereas the 71st degree of south latitude has been but once passed.—And,
“That, whilst the antarctic ne plus ultra appears to be the 72d degree of latitude, that of the arctic extends full 600 miles farther; the nearest approach to the southern pole being a distance of 1130 miles, but to the north, only 510 miles.
“With regard to the probability of exploring the regions more immediately in the vicinity of the pole than has yet been accomplished, or even of reaching the pole itself, I anticipate, that, without reference to the reasoning on which the opinion is grounded, it might be deemed the frenzied speculation of a disordered fancy. I flatter myself, however, that I shall be able to satisfy the Society, that the performance of a journey over a surface of ice, from the north of Spitzbergen to the pole, is a project which might be undertaken, with at least a probability of success.
“It must be allowed, that many known difficulties would require to be surmounted—many dangers to be encountered—and that some circumstances might possibly occur, which would at once annul the success of the undertaking. Of these classes of objections, the following strike me as being the most formidable, which, after briefly stating, I shall individually consider in their order.
1. The difficulty of performing a journey of 1200 miles, 600 going and 600 returning, over a surface of ice—of procuring a sufficient conveyance—and of carrying a necessary supply of provisions and apparatus, as well as attendants.
“The difficulties may be increased by
(a.) Soft snow;
(b.) Want of continuity of the ice;
(c.) Rough ice; and
(d.) Mountainous ice.