Paleocrystic

Pavy envisioned an attempt to reach Cape Joseph Henry, on the northern coast of Ellesmere Island, in order to confirm the existence of "paleocrystic" ice (or multiyear ice) encountered by the British Arctic Expedition of 1875-76 under the command of Captain George S.

Smith was also impressed with the level of Pavy's Arctic skills, remarking that "very few men are so well fit for traveling in polar regions as you [Pavy]." Smith closed with a cautionary note, however, observantly opining that "Americans commonly underrate the difficulties and obstacles in the real polar, paleocrystic sea and along its coasts" (Smith, 1881).