Volume 8, 1955 - The Arctic Circle - Home

THE ARCTIC CIRCULARVOL. V1lI NO.3 Published by The Arctic Circle 1955Ottawa, OntarioAmong the Sessional Papers of the British Parliamentthere are a number which deal with the work of expeditions to theCanadian Arctic during the nineteenth century. These papers arean important source of material, particularly on the work of themany Franklin Search expeditions. The full sets of the SessionalPapers are not common, and the annual indexes are not always detailedor complete. Some of these papers, popularly called "BlueBooks", are well known and to be found in many libraries, othershave been almost entirely neglected. In the course of historicalresearch on the Canadian Arctic, Andrew Taylor compiled a "PreliminaryGuide" to these papers. Since many members of theCircle will find this reference useful, his list is issued as a completenumber of the Circular. The guide cannot give a full accountof what is in each paper, for these frequently contain a number ofsledge patrol reports or letters, and the list is not necessarilycomplete. If any member of the Circle knows of any paper of thenineteenth century dealing with the Canadian Arctic which has beenomitted, Mr. Taylor would appreciate being sent the reference.His address is: 293 Island Park Drive, Ottawa.Ottawa members of the Circle will be pleased to know thatthere are two nearly complete sets of the Arctic Papers in the-Northern Affairs Library, Vimy Building. There is a full set ofthe Sessional Papers in the Parliamentary Library, but it is naturallyvery much simpler to work with the :-lorthern Affairs volumes ••Editor, A.C.