The prospects of the Arctic expedi tion of 1875 are spoken of in a very hopeful way; but when was it other wise the case ? Looking at the matter, however, in a calm and un enthusiastic way, the odds are enor mously against the pole being reached at this attempt, When it is considered

that since the beginning of the cen tury a score or so of expeditions have been sent into the polar regions with out extending the map more than about four degrees of latitude, while seven degrees more have to be tra versed before the pole can be reached, it is at once seen to be unreasonable to expect that success should be attained at one more leap. Already indications of mismanagement are appearing at head-quarters. Applicants for special berths are advised that they need not apply, as there is a sufficiency of naval volunteers. The time fixed for the start is said to be the end of June or the beginning of July, whereas the best authorities say that it should be made early in May ; but this error will surely be corrected. The route laid down is through Smith Sound, but the reasons for the choice are open to criticism. If open water or a clear sheet of ice available for sledge travel ling is looked for, there are some con siderations which make it likely that the object will not be attained. Cap tain Walker, an experienced whaler, gives some excellent reasons for be lieving that there is no thoroughfare through Smith Sound, and that it is only an inlet. One of these reasons is that no icebergs pass through it; and another is that the tides are abnormally high, such, in fact, as are usually met with in gulfs or estuaries rather than in the straits. It is a question, however, whether a per manent ice-barrier at its upper end might not give rise to the tidal phenomena, in which case the second best thing to an open sea —a clear sheet of ice—may be reached. Other authorities, however, report a strong current through the sound from the north. These considerations, although not shutting out hope, should discou rage great expectations. 