In explorations and discoveries the results of these two later expeditions were not so rich, but the experience in ice work so obtained gave Parry conclusions which revolutionized all methods in arctic navigation.
Hitherto all attempts to approach the Pole had been in ships.

In 1827 Parry suggested the plan of a dash to the Pole on foot, from a base on land.

He obtained the assistance of the government, which for the fourth time sent him to the Arctic provided with well-equipped ships and able officers and men.

He carried a number of reindeer with him to his base in Spitzbergen, purposing to use these animals to drag his sledges.

The scheme proved impracticable, however, and he was compelled to depend on the muscles of his men to haul his two heavy sledges, which were in reality boats on steel runners.