Fridtjof Nansen

The name of Nansen is in everyone's Diouth just now ; and as Mr. Bain says, "the only cure for the Arctic fever is the discovery of the Nortn Pole." Of course, eome day the fever will wane ; it is in the nature of things that it should do so ; but out admiration for the man, whether as an explorer, a ecientist, an artist (for Br. Nansen's pastei studies, now being exhibited in the Sfc. George's Gallery, Grafton street, testify to his merits in this direction), or as öne who does full justice, to the Englisü people, and notably to those who have preceded him in his special work, must remain undiminished. It is true that, "in comparison with the Journeys of Dr. Nansen and his companions all other Arctic ventures of recent years fall into the shade. No explorer of the Arctic regions since Fianklin, no traveler, indeed, save Columbus, has gained eo great a hold upon the imagination of his contemporaries. . . . Like Columbus Dr. Nansen set off to face tremendous odds, armed with but three frail weapons- a little knowledge, a theory, and a full determination to succeed." Mr. Bain tells us that in his scanty leisure he had time only to direct his ambition towards imparting some trustworthy Information about a great man and a great scheme of discovery to a few persons desirous of receiving it. And Mr. Bain seems very well qualified for his