of the four cardinal points. See Pole.

North-Cape, the most northerly promontory in Europe, on the coast of Norway. E. Long. 21°. N. Lat. 78°.

North-Foreland, a cape or promontory of Kent, in the isle of Thanet, four miles east of Margate. Between this and the South-Foreland are the Downs, through which all ships pass that are bound to or from the the west. E. Long. 1° 25'. N. Lat. 51° 25'.

North-West Passage, a passage to the Pacific Ocean through Hudson's Bay or Davis's Straits, and which hath been frequently attempted without success; notwithstanding which, many people are still of opinion that it is practicable.

North-East Passage, a passage to the East Indies along the northern coasts of Asia, which, like the former, hath frequently been attempted, but hitherto without success. Concerning these passages an opinion hath lately been revived by the hon. Daines Barrington, namely, that they ought to be attempted by the pole itself; and he hath no doubt of the possibility of accomplishing them by that means. See North Pole.