immense. They have shed a lustre on our age and country, and will cause the names of Collison, McKlintock, McClure, Kellet and Penny to be handed down with honour to the latest ages [Cheers]. I shall only direct your attention on this occasion to one branch of the scientific observations – that of terrestrial magnetism. For many years observations relating to it have been made in many parts of the world under the able superintendence of Col. Sabine; and not long since, one of the results of these observations appeared in the publication of a chart on which were marked the variations which the magnetic needle undergoes in every part of the navigable seas. The direct practical bearing of this on the preservation of ships must be obvious to all. But, more than this, I hold in my hand the proof sheet of a lecture delivered last month by Col. Sabine to the members of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, assembled at Liverpool, in which other results are given, no less wonderful and important than unexpected. I have neither time nor ability to explain them to you in detail, but will merely mention that they go far to prove that magnetism is not so much a telluric as a cosmical phenomenon; in other words, that it depends not so much on the earth as the heavenly bodies. [Applause] But, great as these objects were, there was another of a still higher order which filled the hearts of those who undertook the expeditions subsequent of that of Sir John Franklin. They went on a holy errand of mercy, their one wish being to find, and if possible to save and bring home their long missing fellow-countrymen; and in carrying out the object they were assisted by others not of their own nation. Who can fail to call to mind the exertions of the high-souled and energetic Bellot – one whose sterling qualities endeared him to all those with whom he was thrown into, in a most marvelous manner. I believe the French were seldom more gratified than when they witnessed the deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy which was shown by this country on hearing of the untimely end of this excellent young man; and I feel convinced that when some future historian shall carefully examine the chain of events which seems everyday to be binding closer to our French allies, he will find no link firmer than that which was rivetted on the tomb of Bellot. Nor has America been backward in the search. Indeed, the energy and wholeheartedness with which she has entered into it is worthy of admiration; and I believe that one of her ships is now engaged in exploring Smith’s sound or the neighbouring latitudes. There is -
