Bellot Strait
the passage on the N. coast of North America, which separates North Somerset from Boothia Felix, and connects Prince Regent Inlet with Franklin Channel. Its E. entrance was discovered in 1853 by Lieut. Joseph René Bellot. After four unsuccessful attempts, it was explored for the first time by M'Clintock on his crowning voyage. It is about 20 miles long, and, at its narrowest part, about 1 mile wide, running pretty nearly on the parallel of 72°, between granite shores which, everywhere high, rise here and there to 1,500 or 1,600 feet. Through this funnel both the winds and the waters have full play; the latter, permanent currents and flood tides alike, coming from the W. A point on the S. shore, 71° 55' N., 95° W., is the most northerly point of the North American continent.