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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..66629dd --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63603 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63603) diff --git a/old/63603-0.txt b/old/63603-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index acab98f..0000000 --- a/old/63603-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6198 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Andrée and his Balloon, by -Henri Lachambre and Alexis Machuron - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Andrée and his Balloon - -Author: Henri Lachambre - Alexis Machuron - -Release Date: November 2, 2020 [EBook #63603] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON *** - - - - -Produced by Peter Becker and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - -ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON - - - - -[Illustration: THE DEPARTURE OF THE BALLOON. - -Copyright Archibald Constable & Co.] - - - - - ANDRÉE AND HIS - BALLOON - - By HENRI LACHAMBRE - and ALEXIS MACHURON - - WITH COLOURED FRONTISPIECE AND - FORTY-FOUR FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS - FROM - PHOTOGRAPHS - - Westminster - ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE & CO. - 1898 - - BUTLER & TANNER, - THE SELWOOD PRINTING WORKS, - FROME, AND LONDON. - - - - - TO A. S. ANDRÉE - - A FERVENT BELIEVER IN THE - AËRIAL CONQUEST OF THE NORTH - POLE WE DEDICATE THIS BOOK - - H. LACHAMBRE - A. MACHURON - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - PAGE - - THE DEPARTURE OF THE BALLOON, 11TH OF JULY, 1897 _Frontispiece, - in Colours_ - - SALOMON AUGUSTE ANDRÉE 9 - - VIEW OF THE LOWER PART OF THE BALLOON 21 - - VALVES FOR WORKING THE BALLOON 27 - - THE BALLOON IN THE 96 FEET GALLERY OF THE CHAMP DE MARS EXHIBITION 35 - - START OF THE “VIRGO” FROM GOTHENBURG, 7TH OF JUNE, 1896 41 - - STAFF-OFFICERS OF THE EXPEDITION 47 - - THE FIRST FLOATING ICEBERGS 55 - - DANE’S ISLAND AND THE PIKE HOUSE 63 - - DANSK-GATT 69 - - ARRIVAL OF A GENERATOR 77 - - ARRIVAL OF A GAS GENERATOR 83 - - THE “EXPRESS”, THE “ERLINE JARL”, THE “VIRGO”, DEPARTURE OF THE - “VICTORIA” 91 - - DANE’S ISLAND 97 - - SMEERENBURG GLACIERS 103 - - THE “VIRGO”. AMSTERDAM ISLAND 109 - - ARRIVAL OF THE CAR 115 - - AN EXCURSION TO MAGDALEINA BAY 123 - - SOLAR OBSERVATIONS AT MAGDALEINA BAY 129 - - THE “VIRGO” DECKED FOR THE 14TH OF JULY FÊTE 135 - - STRINDBERG 141 - - THE CUPOLA OF THE BALLOON (TOP OF THE SHED) 147 - - THE BALLOON IN THE SHED DURING ITS DEFLATION 155 - - THE SHED AND THE BALLOON CASE 161 - - THE SWEDISH GUNBOAT “SVENSKSUND” 169 - - A LAPLANDERS’ CAMP 175 - - A WHALE 181 - - DEPARTURE FOR A HUNTING EXPEDITION 189 - - ON THE ICEBERGS 195 - - DANE’S ISLAND SEEN BY THE MIDNIGHT SUN 203 - - SHIPS AMONG THE ICE 209 - - THE BALLOON CASE IN THE ICE 217 - - LANDING THE CAR 223 - - VIEW OF THE APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN GAS FOR THE BALLOON 229 - - PLACING A GENERATOR 235 - - THE GAS APPARATUS 243 - - SKETCH OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HYDROGEN GAS-PRODUCING - APPARATUS 247 - - GETTING THE BALLOON CASE ASHORE 249 - - ON THE TOP OF THE BALLOON 257 - - THE INFLATED BALLOON IN ITS SHED, THE NORTHERN PART OF WHICH HAS - BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ITS DEPARTURE 267 - - THE MEMBERS OF THE EXPEDITION 275 - - ON THE BRIDGE OF THE “SVENSKSUND,” MESSRS. FRAENKEL, ANDRÉE, - SVEDENBORG AND STRINDBERG 283 - - K. FRAENKEL 291 - - VIEW OF THE BALLOON TAKEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER ITS DEPARTURE 297 - - FACSIMILE OF ANDRÉE’S LAST MESSAGE 304 - - - - -[Illustration: ANDRÉE - -SALOMON AUGUSTE ANDRÉE.] - - - - -Introduction - - -On the afternoon of Sunday, the 11th of July, 1897, the balloon _Ornen_ -left the port of Virgo, Spitzbergen, carrying in its car Messrs. Andrée, -Strindberg, and Fraenkel, the bold explorers, starting for the conquest -of the North Pole. - -All the papers of the day were immediately filled with discussions in -various strains, pessimistic or favourable comments and prognostications, -articles full of hope or criticism,—each, in short, looking upon this -extraordinary expedition from its own point of view. - -The first part of this bold enterprise is accomplished, and now we are -confronted with the terrible question: Where are they? - -The comments took their usual course. However, towards the middle of -August we heard that one of the carrier pigeons belonging to Andrée’s -expedition had been killed, on the 22nd of July, by one of the seamen of -the fishing boat _Alken_, between the Spitzbergen North Cape and the -Seven Isles, in about 80° N. Lat. This pigeon carried a message, which -was confirmed, more than a month later, when the whaler _Alken_ returned -to Hammerfest; it was couched in the following terms:— - -“_13th July_, 12.30 _p.m._, 82.2° _N. L._, 15.5° _E. Long._ Good progress -towards the north. All goes well on board. This message is the third -brought by a pigeon.—ANDRÉE.” - -Andrée, therefore, appears to have despatched three pigeons in less than -three days, and the balloon seems to have covered, during this time, a -distance of scarcely 187½ miles—a fact which is accounted for by the calm -which reigned on the second day. - -No other trustworthy news has since come to hand. Much noise was made -about a telegram originating from Krasnoïarsk in Siberia, which announced -that a balloon, believed to be Andrée’s, had been sighted on the 14th of -September, for some minutes, in the province of Jēnisseisk. - -This message was rather vague. Supposing that the balloon remained in -the air for more than sixty days (which is still within the limits of -possibility), it ought to have crossed, in order to arrive at that point, -over 625 miles of inhabited land, without being perceived, which is -rather doubtful. On the other hand, Andrée would not travel such a long -way in regions where communications are comparatively easy and where -he would have been in perfect safety, without effecting a landing and -stopping on his journey. - -Knowing the temperament of these heroes, who start with high courage -towards the unknown, in order to try to lift the veil which still hides -those mysterious regions from mortal eyes, and after having read the -narrative of the wonderful voyage of Nansen and his companions, shall we -despair? - -Has not Andrée already been highly favoured by chance and accident? Has -he not already, in his career as an aeronaut, escaped from dangerous -situations in which many others, perhaps, would have perished? Let us -hope, then, that his lucky star will not forsake him, and that fortune, -which favours the brave, will bring back to us, victorious, the three -_savants_ who have a full claim to our unstinted admiration. - -I may add that the preparatory stages of the expedition were very -troublesome; obstacles of all kinds, bad weather, and, in particular, -contrary winds, made two attempts futile. Only on the third attempt were -the explorers able to leave _terra firma_ finally and float in space -towards this inaccessible pole, the search for which has already cost -science so many illustrious lives. - -In fact, a first expedition organized in June, 1896, went to Spitzbergen, -at which place a balloon and all the plant necessary for its inflation -were fitted up. But after a long wait for the south wind, which did not -come, the explorers were compelled to return to Europe, as the season was -too far advanced. - -Now, before narrating the preliminaries of the second expedition and -commencing the story of our voyage across the polar sea, it seems -expedient briefly to recapitulate the history of the Swedish expedition -to which we have had the honour to belong, and to give some details as to -the construction of the aerial ship, and the work accomplished last year -on Dane’s Island. - -An undertaking bristling with so many difficulties could not possibly be -carried through in an inhospitable country in a season which lasts barely -two months; and this fact the reader will be able to appreciate later on. - - H. L. - - - - -The Engineer Andrée - -BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES - - -Salomon-Auguste Andrée was born on the 18th of October, 1854, at Grenna, -a little town in the province of Smoiland. His father was a chemist. The -rather severe training received at the hands of their father, imbued -the children of the Andrée family at an early age with the spirit of -obedience and punctuality. Their father died some years ago, and their -mother, a distinguished lady, died in the spring of 1897. - -After finishing his educational course young Andrée entered the -technical school, an institution exclusively intended for civil -engineers,—artillery and army engineers’ officers having a separate -Higher School. He chose the mechanical engineering section of the -school, and left it an engineer. He thereupon worked for some time (as -is frequently the custom in Sweden) as a simple mechanic in a workshop, -sharing in every respect the life of an ordinary workman. Later on, he -travelled abroad for purposes of study. - -The knowledge he thus acquired, both theoretical and practical, procured -him the distinction of being appointed, at the early age of twenty-six, -assistant professor of pure and applied physical science at the technical -school. - -At the age of twenty-eight, in 1892, he took part in a Swedish -meteorological expedition to Spitzbergen. He wintered there until the -next year, directing the experiments and observations on atmospheric -electricity. - -In 1884, Andrée was appointed chief engineer to the Patent Office,—being -a newly created post,—and from 1886 to 1889 he occupied, at the same -time, a professor’s chair at the technical school of Stockholm. - -However, his position at the Patent Office, being a post of the highest -importance, claimed all his time and energy, and Andrée found himself -obliged to resign the professorship. - -But he could not give up the idea of scientific aerostation, a problem -which had always haunted his mind since his early youth. - -The Swedish Academy of Science, which counts among its members famous men -like A. Nordensjold, G. Retzius, G. Mittaz-Leffler, the mathematician, -H. Hildebran and O. Montelius, the antiquarians, and others known and -esteemed by the learned world, turned their attention to Andrée’s -projects, and in 1892 he received from the Academy and the “L. J. Hjerta -Memorial Foundation,” a subvention for the purpose of undertaking -scientific aerial navigation—an honour which was unprecedented in Sweden. - -From that time Andrée devoted himself to aerial navigation, and made his -first ascent at Stockholm in the summer of 1893. - -He has since made a number of ascents for scientific purposes, some of -which were of a most perilous nature—one resulting in a disaster in the -Baltic. On another occasion he was carried from Gothenburg over the -Baltic, after having traversed the whole of Sweden. The reefs round the -Isle of Goëland presented the greatest difficulties to his landing. This -last attempt nearly cost Andrée his life; but these “little accidents” -were not calculated to discourage a man of his temperament. - -He made several experiments at steering by means of a guide-rope and a -sail, and came to the conclusion that it would be possible to direct the -course of the balloon even while keeping it at a low altitude. - -Thereupon, early in 1895, Andrée presented to the Academy of Sciences a -well matured project for exploring the regions of the North Pole with the -aid of a balloon; the start was to be made from Spitzbergen, where the -inflation of the balloon was to be effected. The estimated cost amounted -to about £7,177. - -A National subscription was opened, which was completed in a few days by -four generous donors. - -Mr. A. Nobel, of lamented memory, subscribed £3,588. - -The King of Sweden, wishing to show the interest taken by him in the -expedition, gave £1,656. - -Baron Dickson, well known for his liberality, also gave £1,656. - -The sum was completed by Mr. R. Lamm and some other donors. - -Mr. R. Lamm, moreover, undertook to supply all the mechanical part of the -various apparatus. - -Having once settled the financial aspect of the question, Andrée made -several journeys all over Europe, in order to obtain personal interviews -with foreign scientific celebrities and gain them over to his views -concerning this bold enterprise. He visited, one by one, the aeronautical -establishments, procuring at the same time samples of the tissues -employed, and obtaining the opinions of various constructors. - -Thereupon, on his return to Stockholm, he carefully tested the samples -which he had brought with him; he felt interested in the English and -German products, but gave preference to the French industry. Finally -his choice fell on Chinese Pongee silk, cemented together in double, -threefold, and fourfold layers, and varnished, this tissue having -been advocated and experimented with for several years past by M. H. -Lachambre, to whom Andrée entrusted the construction of the balloon on -condition that M. Lachambre should follow the expedition to Spitzbergen, -where the benefit of his experience would be at Andrée’s service. - - - - -The Aerial Vessel - -DESCRIPTION OF THE BALLOON FOR ANDRÉE’S POLAR EXPEDITION, AND THE -APPLIANCES CONSTRUCTED AT THE AEROSTATIC WORKSHOPS OF VAUGIRARD. - - -After studying the question for a long time, Andrée finally decided to -give his balloon the cubical contents of 158,924 feet, and the shape of a -sphere terminating in a slightly conical appendage. - -This sphere, fitted with two lateral regulating valves, one lower -automatic valve, and a “rending flap,” measures 22 yards in diameter, by -1,431 yards surface; it is enclosed in a net of hemp cord, terminating in -systems of “crow feet,” and suspending ropes attached to the car by means -of a “load ring.” - -The upper part of the balloon is protected against rain and snow by a -varnished silk cover, the apex of which is fixed to the upper pole of -the envelope, and the lower margin to the meshes of the net. - -THE ENVELOPE.—In making up the envelope, 600 pieces of best quality -Pongee silk, each from 18 to 19 yards long by about 18 inches wide, were -used. From each of these a piece was cut off which was tried in both -directions—that of the chain and that of the weft; then the pieces were -classified according to their strength, in order to be subjected to the -operation of cementing or joining together. - -All these pieces, after being cemented together, were tried again before -being used. The trials were made by means of a Perreaux dynamometer, -with strips about 2 inches wide by 4 inches long, under the control of -Messrs. P. de Nordenfeld and Noël, engineers of the Nordenfeld Company, -to whom Andrée had entrusted the task of testing the materials used in -the construction of his balloon. - -[Illustration: VIEW OF THE LOWER PART OF THE BALLOON.] - -The tests gave the following results:—For double tissue, the breaking -strains varied from 5,291 lbs. to 7,936 lbs. per yard, for threefold -tissue from 6,854 to 12,125, and for fourfold tissue, made up of the -best single pieces found, from 13,227 to 15,873 lbs. per yard. - -The minimum resistance demanded by Andrée was fixed at 2,204 lbs. per -yard and per single thickness of Pongee. This minimum was therefore -greatly exceeded. - -The cemented pieces were classified according to their strength, for -distribution over the surface of the balloon as the strain demanded. - -The upper part of the envelope is a disc 19 feet 8 inches in diameter, -formed by twenty-four widths of fourfold silk. The adjoining part, -consisting of threefold silk up to 13 feet 1 inch below the equator of -the sphere, is composed of forty-one zones made up of forty-eight widths -each. - -The remainder of the balloon, down to the lower parallel, having a -diameter of 23 feet, is of double material, being made up of twenty-two -zones of forty-eight widths; and finally the lower part, including -the appendage, is of threefold silk, and consists of five zones of -forty-eight widths, and three zones of twenty-four widths each. - -The portions made up of threefold and double Pongee are joined together -by an intermediate zone in which the various widths of material are -alternately made up, half of threefold and half of double tissue. - -In each zone the various widths, or pieces of material, are identical in -shape; twenty-seven different templates had to be designed in order to -determine the exact shape of the various pieces or widths of material, -the total number of which is 3,360. The cutting out of these pieces -was effected with the aid of a cutting blade guided by a steel rule, -following the outlines of a template. At first those belonging to one and -the same zone were joined together, and the zones were then joined so -that the various pieces or widths overlapped each other in such a manner -as to give the balloon the aspect of a structure of bricks or freestone. - -The cemented joints of the various pieces are ½ inch wide; they are then -sewn by a machine, with three seams made with fine silk in the double or -threefold material, and four rows of stitches in the fourfold material. - -These joints or seams are then covered, outside and inside, with a -strip of single silk 1⅕ inches wide, cemented on with a special varnish -recently discovered by M. Lachambre. - -The strips cemented by this new process have the double advantage -of rendering the seams impermeable and restoring to the joints the -resistance of which the stitching deprives them. - -The varnish used for this cementing meets all requirements; it preserves -the natural suppleness of the material, is unaffected by the balloon -varnish, which has linseed oil for its basis, and is proof against water -and changes of temperature. - -The tests made with the joints thus constituted, proved that their -resistance was greater than that of the adjoining parts, and Andrée, -who only desires an equal strength throughout, naturally was very well -satisfied with this result. - -The seams are 4,811 yards long, with three or four rows of stitching, -representing a line of single stitching equal to a length of 15,310 -yards, and the total length of the cemented strips is nearly 9,842 yards. - -The two hemispheres of the balloon were first formed; their weight was -2,116 lbs., and before proceeding to the last equatorial closing seam, -they were given three coats of Arnoul’s varnish (the best balloon -varnish hitherto tried); a fourth coat being given after the two halves -had been joined together, on the premises of the “Palais du Champ de -Mars,” remaining from the 1889 Exhibition. - -NET.—The net of the polar balloon is composed of 384 hemp cords, ⅙ inch -thick by 211 feet 7 inches long, each having a breaking strain of not -less than 873 lbs. (in the tests made the minimum result was 925 lbs., -while the maximum was 1,190 lbs.). - -Each cord is jointless; its two ends are fixed, at the upper pole, to a -cordage ring or crown measuring 26 inches in diameter and 2⅓ inches in -thickness. There are no knots in this net, the cords being interwoven at -their crossing points, one being passed through the other; it was in this -way that the “Henri Giffard” captive balloon was finished in 1878. - -The crossing points are strengthened by ligatures of fine twine. - -[Illustration: VALVES FOR WORKING THE BALLOON.] - -The circumference of the net, all the way up, consists of 192 meshes, -the dimensions of which vary according to the area of the zone they are -to cover. These meshes, the number of which is no less than 19,000, -represent a length of twine amounting to nearly 16,404 yards. - -The lower part of the net is formed by a system of three zones of -crowfeet or cringles, each zone reducing, by one-half, the number of -meshes composing the next upper zone. - -The first row of crowfeet is mounted on thimbles of nickeled brass, the -second and the third on wooden pulley-blocks, having sheaves of lignum -vitæ; and forty-eight suspending cords, each fitted at its end with an -eye, complete the net and form points for tying it to the retaining ring -by means of toggles. These suspending cords have a diameter of ⁷⁄₁₀ inch, -and a bearing-strain of no less than 6,613 lbs. - -The net thus constituted weighed 776 lbs. In order to preserve the -cordage from moisture it was impregnated with vaseline, except in the -upper part, which was covered with a projecting cover of varnished silk; -after this operation the weight of the net was 974 lbs. - -Eight detachable equatorial cringles were fixed to the equator of the -net. They were to serve for holding up the balloon, and preventing it -from oscillating, in the shed which was to shelter it at Spitzbergen, -while awaiting a favourable wind for the departure of the expedition. - -PROTECTING COVER.—A spherical _calotte_ of single silk, varnished with -four coats and vaselined, and having an area of 1,560 square feet, covers -the upper part of the balloon. It is finished in the same way as the -balloon, being composed of overlapping widths to the number of 720. - -The seams, having a width of ¼ inch, are hooked together, and sewn -with two rows of stitching with silk thread. They are not covered with -cemented strips. Their total length is 656 yards. - -The vertex of the protecting cover, of conical shape, is of double silk. -It rests on a small wooden structure, likewise of conical shape, the base -of which, placed on the material at the upper pole of the balloon, is -surrounded and held in place by the crown of the net. - -The lower zone, terminating the protecting cover, is of double silk. Its -extreme edge is put round a hemp bolt-rope, ³⁄₁₀ inch in diameter, which -is sewn into the material; ninety-six eyes made above this bolt-rope are -intended to receive thongs for fixing the protecting cover to the meshes -of the net. - -This protecting cover weighs 88 lbs. Its object is to protect the top of -the balloon against rain, and more especially to prevent incrustation -with snow between the meshes of the net. - -VALVES.—The balloon has no valve at the top, because its action would -probably be affected by snow; but it is provided with two manipulating -valves, of equal dimensions, one being placed at the equator, and the -other one metre above the equator. These are at 150 degrees angular -distance from each other. - -These valves, constructed on a system of Andrée’s, measure 9⅘ inches in -external diameter. Each is formed by a disc of aluminium bronze, 9 inches -in diameter, and under normal conditions rests on a circular piece of -walnut wood, but can be withdrawn therefrom by moving it along a screw -which occupies the centre. This movement is effected from the car of -the balloon by means of two cords for each valve, passing through the -interior of the balloon and issuing from it near the appendage through -four tubes, arranged in pairs. - -Gas-tightness is obtained by a circular rubber band, against which the -outer margin of the valve disc rests. The orifice for the escape of -gas measures 7⅘ inches in diameter. In order to fix the valves to the -balloon, two openings, 7⅘ inches in diameter, are made in the material. -The margin around these openings is strengthened by collars, 19⅖ inches -in diameter, of threefold material, cemented and sewn on; the seat of -each valve is applied internally to the material of the balloon, the -margin of which is caught between two rubber bands, and thereupon pressed -against the seat by an external wooden hoop and bolts. - -These valves do not present any external projection against which the -cord of the net might catch. - -The automatic valve closing the appendage was suggested to Andrée by M. -Lachambre, and was adopted. It measures 39 inches in external diameter, -with a discharge orifice 34 inches in diameter. The valve disc, of -threefold Pongee silk, is 35⅘ inches in diameter. It is provided with two -glazed windows, in order to enable the aeronauts to inspect the interior -of the balloon. This disc, which is slightly conical, is fitted upon -a walnut-wood ring, which acts as a seat, in which it is held by the -traction of six spiral springs of steel wire, fastened on one side to the -end of the wooden spokes of the valve, and on the other side to the top -of a small frame fixed on the seat. The frame, mounted on the wooden ring -or crown, is formed by twelve nickeled steel tubes. - -The valve is guided in its course by a central steel tube, sliding in -another tube, which serves as an axis for the frame. A small cotter -limits its action, the length of which is equal to one-half of the -radius of the discharge orifice. The joint is rendered gas-tight at the -periphery of the valve by means of a brass blade resting on a rubber band -stretched in a groove of the seat. - -The valve commences to open under the action of an internal pressure -corresponding to ³⁄₁₀ inch water column. In order to fix it to the -balloon, it is placed in the interior of the appendage, the margin of -which, held between two rubber bands, is kept tight against the seat by -an external belt or ring of brass, fastened by bolts. - -“RENDING FLAP.”—The rending flap is 4½ yards high, and has a surface -of 4⁷⁄₁₀ square yards. It is formed of threefold Pongee silk, and is -rectangular in shape, terminating in a curvilinear triangle, the point -of which is turned upwards. Its vertical axis is at an angular distance -of 105 degrees from each of the two manipulating valves; the lower base, -which is 35⅖ inches wide, reaches down to 19⅗ inches above the equator. -The seams joining the material of the “rending flap” to that of the -balloon are similar to the seams of the various widths, and are likewise -covered with cemented strips. - -In the interior of the balloon the upper extremity of the “rending flap” -is of fourfold silk; its edge is put round a stick of hard wood, to which -a rope for pulling is fixed, by means of which the rent is made. This -rope descends to the car after having passed through the lower part of -the envelope, near the appendage, in a tube. - -In order to make the rent with ease, which will require an effort equal -to a traction of about 220 or 250 pounds, Andrée intends to use a small -grapnel, which he will attach to the end of this rope and throw to the -ground at the proper moment. - -[Illustration: THE BALLOON IN THE 96 FEET GALLERY OF THE CHAMP DE MARS -EXHIBITION.] - -Thereupon the balloon will be emptied very rapidly, and all dragging -along the ground will be avoided, however violent the wind may be. - -Of course Andrée will not make use of the “rending flap” until he is -travelling over hospitable regions and wishes to terminate his aerial -voyage and alight definitely. - -BANDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST WATER.— SUNDRY DETAILS.—Above the appendage, -at the parallels measuring 16 feet 4 inches and 22 feet 11 inches -respectively in diameter, there are fixed, by one of their edges, two -vertical circular bands nearly 4 inches high. - -These bands are of single silk; their purpose is to form gutters for -carrying off any water which might run down the material of the balloon, -and thus protect the car in which the observers are stationed from rain. -In the interior of the appendage there is another band, differently -placed, forming a circular trough, intended to receive any water that -might result from a strong condensation of the gases contained in the -balloon, and thus prevent any accumulation of such water over the -automatic valve. Between the external band, of 16 feet 4 inches in -diameter, and the appendage, and facing the tube through which the -rending cord passes, the inflating nozzle, which is 19 feet 8 inches -long, is fixed. - -The two cords which control each of the manipulating valves are worked -by pulling: one, being that which opens the valve, is painted blue; the -other, which closes it, retains the natural colour of the hemp. - -The cord acting upon the rending flap is coloured red. - -Along a meridian traced on the envelope coloured marks are made, with -figures indicating every 546 yards of cubic contents of the segment above -each mark. This will admit of the progress of inflation at Spitzbergen -being rapidly ascertained. - -On two other meridians, suitably situated, are shown the positions for -the straps to support the sails with which the polar balloon is to be -provided. - -THE CAR.—In the construction of the car, the use of iron or steel was -prohibited, so as to avoid interfering with the action of the magnetic -instruments. Its form is cylindrical, measuring two metres in diameter, -from centre to centre of its sides, which are of cane basket-work -mounted on a framework of chestnut-wood; eight handles of wicker-work are -attached to the cylindrical part, at a convenient height, to facilitate -the transport. - -The bottom is strengthened by wooden crossbeams placed externally and -fastened to the basket-work by bolts and brass plates put on the inside. - -The cylindrical part is truncated on one side, having a plane surface -which is to form part of an inclined plane intersecting the lower floor -of the car, and extending from this floor to midway up the cylinder, the -length of the chord formed by the plane intersecting the base being 51 -inches. - -When the balloon touches the ground, rolling of the car will be avoided -by this flat surface, which will rest and drag on the ground. Internally, -the upper margin of the side is fitted all round with about 100 cords -terminating in buckles or eyes. To these cords, which are passed through -the basket-work, instruments and various objects are to be attached. The -roof of the car is a disc or cover, likewise of basket-work, slightly -convex in order to prevent any accumulation of water. The margin of the -periphery of this cover forms a cavity into which the margin of the car -is inserted, thus preserving its peculiar shape. Cross-pieces of wood -fixed inside the cover or roof impart to it the necessary rigidity to -support the observers; entrance to the car and exit therefrom is effected -by means of a trap-door which moves on hinges. - -Above the flattened part, the cylindrical side of the car is fitted -with two square windows with glass panes of 5¾ inches side; the bottom -of the car has two square openings of 7⅘ inches side, closed by wooden -trap-doors. - -The car is covered with tarpaulin having openings corresponding to those -in the basket-work. - -The tarpaulin of the roof forms a vertical rim 3⁹⁄₁₀ inches in width, -perforated with holes for draining off rain-water. The car is suspended -by six hemp ropes 1¹⁄₁₀ inch thick. Their respective strength is from -17,636 lbs. to 19,841 lbs. They are interwoven with the basket-work, and -joined together at the bottom of the car by a hexagon of rope. - -[Illustration: START OF THE VIRGO FROM GOTHENBURG, 7TH OF JUNE, 1896.] - -Above the roof they are joined to each other by five horizontal ropes -placed at equal distances and forming a kind of balustrade 3 feet 3 -inches high, which was to be covered in later on either with tarpaulin or -some other enclosing material. - -The thickness of these horizontal ropes is ⅕ inch, except the uppermost -rope, which is ³⁄₁₀ inch thick. - -About 6 feet 6 inches above the roof, the hexagon formed by the six ropes -is drawn together by a hexagon of rope-work measuring 3 feet 3 inches -inside diameter. - -The upper end of the suspending ropes terminates in an eye or loop -joining it to the ropes of the load ring. - -On the circumference of the upper edge of the car six brass balls are -fastened, at equal distances from each other, forming the lower part of a -system of ball links which are to carry a structure intended to support -the scientific instruments. This structure was made at Stockholm under -the supervision of Andrée. - -The fitting up and equipment of the car was also carried out under his -supervision. - -The aeronauts will generally be on the flooring of the roof, for the -purpose of observations. The interior of the car forms their sleeping -apartment, where they will each rest in turn. - -MARKS OF THE EXPEDITION.—All the articles comprising the aerostatic -equipment are marked with the words “ANDRÉE’S POLAR EXPEDITION 1896,” -which are branded upon wooden articles, engraved on metal articles, and -painted with a durable paint on the protecting cover, the envelope, the -tarpaulin of the car, and the ballast bags. - -Some ropes of the net and the suspending rope are fitted with small -plates strongly fixed to them, on which the above mark is engraved. - -The articles not affording sufficient space for the whole mark bear the -abridged mark “AÉE’S EXP 1896.” - -The following articles were made at Stockholm; viz., the “load -ring” connecting the balloon with the car, the provision basket, -the guide-ropes, sails, etc., as well as the plant for making pure -hydrogen gas, a description of which will be found later on. Only the -gas conducting pipes, which are of silk, and the ballast bags, were -manufactured at Paris, being supplied from the Vaugirard factory. - -EXHIBITION OF THE EQUIPMENT AND PLANT AT THE CHAMP DE MARS (Old Buildings -of the 1889 Exhibition).—The order for the articles described above -was given by Andrée to M. H. Lachambre at the end of December, 1895, -and delivery was to be effected between the 15th and 20th of May, -1896, failing which the contractor made himself liable to an enormous -progressive fine, in proportion to the number of days of delay, and -if delivery was not made before the 3rd of June the order could be -cancelled. But the work was executed within the stipulated time, and -towards the end of April the whole plant was conveyed to the Champ de -Mars, into the 30 m. gallery, in order to be examined there by the -Commission. - -According to a clause of the agreement the envelope was to be inflated -with air, and before the last varnishing to be submitted to an internal -pressure equal to 3 inches water-column. - -This trial took place on the 3rd of May, in the presence of Messrs. -de Nordenfeld, engineer of the Nordenfeld Company, Gaston Tissandier, -Colonel Renard and Commander Renard, managers of the Central -Establishment of Military Aerostation of Chalais-Meudon. The openings -of the balloon were provisionally closed; the valve in the appendage was -replaced by a wooden hoop covered by a disc of material containing a -glazed window, 7⅘ inches in diameter, thus permitting inspection of the -interior of the balloon. The latter was inflated by means of a ventilator -supplying about 70,633 cubic feet of air per hour. - -Andrée’s experts, who had followed up the manufacture step by step, -then examined minutely all the parts, and declared the material to be -faultless, and quite in accordance with the desires expressed by Andrée. - -After this examination, which showed that the envelope inflated with air -did not lose its contents to any appreciable extent, the balloon was -emptied, and was then given the last coat of varnish. This having been -done, it was again inflated for the purpose of drying. - -The net suspended by the crown, in the centre of the central dome, -and with the suspending ropes attached to the balustrade of the first -gallery, presented the appearance of a vast tent, the summit of which was -131 to 164 feet above the ground. - -[Illustration: STAFF-OFFICERS OF THE EXPEDITION.] - -The car, the valves, and in short all the articles made at Paris were -exhibited at the Champ de Mars. A little balloon of 1,148 feet, fully -equipped, and inflated with air, suspended by the side of the polar -balloon, served for comparison. This exhibition, which was not arranged -with a view to profit, was thrown open to the public from the 10th to the -14th of May. - -The 10th of May was reserved for special guests, and M. Félix Faure, -President of the French Republic, was the first visitor. He took much -interest in the various parts of the balloon, which he examined at -length, and in the details of its construction. He expressed his best -wishes for the success of this interesting expedition. - -There were present at the same time as the President, M. de Nordenfeld, -Swedish engineer, M. Gaston Tissandier, Colonel Renard, and Commander -Renard, who had also watched the work in its various stages, and had -co-operated therein to a certain extent. - -The Swedish colony was represented by M. Dué, minister plenipotentiary, -and Gustav Nordling, vice-consul. - -Among the other guests were Messrs. Poubelle, Prefect de la Seine, -Admiral Sallandrouze de Larmornaix, General Mathieu, M. Decauville, -senator, M. Coulet, solicitor to the Swedish Legation, etc. - -During the next four days over 30,000 persons came to see the _North -Pole_ balloon, and expressed their good wishes for the success of the -three bold Swedish explorers whose courage is universally admired. - - A. M. - - - - -FIRST PART - -_TWO MONTHS AT SPITZBERGEN_ - - - - -I - -The Departure - - -I left Paris on the night of the 2nd of June, 1896, to accompany Andrée -and his companions to Spitzbergen, as had been arranged. My mind was much -taken up with speculations as to the ultimate fate of the expedition, and -the responsibility I had undertaken weighed rather heavily upon me. - -Without stopping at the various stages of my journey, Cologne, Hamburg, -and Copenhagen, though all of them very interesting towns, I arrived -at Gothenburg, where I was received by Captain Andrée, brother of the -explorer; and although much fatigued by forty hours’ railway and boat -travelling, my first visit was to the good ship _Virgo_, which was to be -my home for several months, and convey me towards the northern regions. - -Andrée, who left nothing to chance, had chosen his vessel well, and his -brother superintended her loading and equipment. - -When I arrived work was proceeding with feverish activity, and it is -almost impossible to conceive the quantity of goods which were stowed -away in this small vessel of 300 tons. I was present at the embarkation -of the barrows of sulphuric acid which had been brought from England. - -We have a select crew, composed almost entirely of engineering students -from the technical school of Stockholm, and officers who have taken -berths as ordinary sailors in order to follow the expedition; one can -see that there will be no more lack of brave and generous hearts than of -scientific heads. - -On the morning of the 5th of June, the three explorers arrived from -Stockholm. At night a grand fête brought us together at Baron Dickson’s, -one of the generous promoters of the enterprise. - -_Saturday evening, 6th of June._—Popular fête at Lorensburg Park; -numerous speeches and enthusiastic toasts; reading of telegrams and -kind wishes for the success of the expedition. The tables are adorned -with magnificent bouquets of natural flowers enclosed in pyramids of -ice. The effect is most picturesque, and this is certainly an idea -which has never yet suggested itself, as far as I know, to the minds of -the managers of our great culinary establishments; I now give them the -benefit thereof. What can be more attractive than the picture of flowers -and chandelier-lights reflected in these miniature icebergs? - -_Sunday, June 7th._—I arrived at the port at 8 a.m. The _Virgo_ has been -dressed in her gala bunting; her masts are resplendent with many-hued -streamers. At the stern proudly floats the splendid silk flag presented -by the ladies of Gothenburg. The deck is adorned with flowers and -ribbons; I am touched at the sight of my national colours. - -All the vessels in port are dressed with bunting, and crammed with -spectators. An army of photographers, who all have their cameras pointed -at the _Virgo_, are preparing to immortalize the vessel as she now -appears. - -The launches and all the boats, large and small, are making the _Virgo_ -their rendezvous. The rest of the population is on the quays and the -neighbouring buildings. - -M. Vieillard, a friend, who came to accompany me, left me at nine -o’clock; we arranged to meet at Spitzbergen. - -I saluted Baron Dickson, his daughter and his niece, who were on the -quay. His son came to the _Virgo_ to shake hands, and wish me a good -voyage. - -The three explorers also arrived with their friends crowding round them. -The partings were very touching, and the emotion, in which all present -shared, reached its height when precisely at ten o’clock the signal for -starting was sounded. - -The _Virgo_ is slowly moving. - -The enthusiasm becomes indescribable. An immense hurrah, four times -repeated, is volleyed from every panting breast. Handkerchiefs and hats -are waved frantically, the cheers burst forth with redoubled vigour. -Andrée, Ekholm, and Strindberg, appear at the bulwarks with their -bouquets and their ribbons: they signal their adieux and acknowledge -ours. - -[Illustration: THE FIRST FLOATING ICEBERGS.] - -Then we, too, have our share in this grand and most impressive -manifestation. - -The flag of the _Virgo_ dips by way of salute, and then rises again, and -at this moment the _cortége_ of vessels and boats forms up around our -vessel, which has progressed a little towards the open sea. - -Something like a hundred boats follow in our wake. On several of them -bands are playing, and a regular procession commences. Those who have no -boats follow along the quays; it is a veritable tide of human beings. - -A few inevitable collisions occurred between some of the impetuous small -craft, but most happily no serious accident is to be regretted. - -The sun is shining gloriously; the sky, too, has put on its festive garb, -and seems desirous of encouraging the bold explorers leaving for the -conquest of the North Pole. - -We are now out in the open sea. - -At one o’clock we are assembled on the quarter-deck, and the -introductions commence:— - -Herr Andrée, former pupil of the higher technical school of Stockholm, -Director of the Patent Office, and commander of the expedition; - -Herr Ekholm, doctor of natural philosophy, chief of the Meteorological -Office of Stockholm; - -Herr Strindberg, former student of Upsala University, second master at -the Free University of Stockholm; - -Herr Svante Arrhénius, hydrographer, chief of the Stockholm University, -professor of natural philosophy; - -Herr Grumberg, naturalist, master at the Stockholm University, higher -school; - -Dr. Carl Ekelund, physician to the expedition; - -Captain Hugo Zachau, commander of the _Virgo_, which ordinarily plies -between Gothenburg and Hull. - -Nor must we forget the stewardess Charlotte, a complaisant Swede, wearing -a coquettish little white toque, of the comic-opera style, trimmed with a -pretty ribbon bearing the badge of the expedition. This charming person -made me three pretty curtsies, and an acquaintance was soon formed -between us. It is she who will wait on us at table. She seems much at -her ease on board the _Virgo_, and she has better sea-legs than I have. -She has made a napkin ring with ribbons for each of us; mine bears the -French colours. She is, moreover, very amusing. There is also the cook, -who excels in the preparation of _omelettes aux anchois_—but I must not -anticipate. - -After the introductions we taste the brandy and whisky; we drink toasts -for the success of the polar expedition; then several speeches are made. -At three o’clock we assemble for dinner in the dining saloon. The captain -does the honours at the table; he is a jolly amphitryon, and robust both -physically and morally. The meal passed off very gaily. - -I was seated near Strindberg and Professor Arrhénius, with whom I can -speak in my own language, and also learn a few words of Swedish. This, -in fact, is simply by way of retaliation, as I have been appointed -“professor of the French language” by acclamation. - -We take our coffee on deck, smoking delicious Havannahs presented to the -expedition. Gently cradled by the waves, I abandon myself to revery. How -many things I have seen since my departure, and how far away from home I -am already! Nevertheless, I have only reached the first stage, and much -excitement is still in store for me. - -I have taken possession of my cabin, which adjoins the kitchen and dining -saloon, and am settling down there as comfortably as possible, but not -without difficulty, as the place allotted to me is very small. - -At eight o’clock the dinner bell once more unites us round the table, and -the evening is spent in frankest cordiality. The voyage commences very -promisingly. - - - - -II - -Out at Sea - - -_June 8th, 1896, 10.30._—We have been under way for twenty-four hours; we -are in sight of Norway, off the Forsund, at a distance of nine miles from -the coast, but the mist prevents us from seeing very far. The fir-clad -mountains are vaguely outlined to our right, and the _Virgo_ is heading -due north-west. There is nothing for us to do but take life as it comes. -I commence my diary in my cabin. The sea, though a little rough, has not -yet troubled me. Andrée alone has already paid his tribute. - -_Tuesday, June 9th, Coasts of Norway._—Sea rough, general discomfort, -moral prostration; I am unable to write. The _Virgo_ rolls heavily. At -the present moment, 6 p.m., it is as light as at midday. - -_Wednesday, June 10th, 6.30._—The temperature has gone down considerably; -we have crossed the polar circle. A steamer has kept company with us -this morning at a distance of 7½ miles on our port side. Sea rough. - -_Thursday, June 11th, 10 a.m._—In sight of the Loffoden Islands; sky -overcast; some few rays of the sun; sea smoother; the vessel still rolls. - -_Friday, June 12th, 9.30._—At last we are in the straits which lead to -Tromsö. I was so ill to-night that I should have thrown myself into the -sea had I forgotten, for one moment, my duty and my family. - -[Illustration: DANES ISLAND AND THE PIKE HOUSE.] - -At 11 p.m. I sent for the doctor; it seemed to me that I was going to -die all alone in my narrow cabin. He ordered me champagne and sleep. -Charlotte, the stewardess, brought me some oranges, and took off my -boots, which I had not had the courage to take off for four days. Oh, -Charlotte, my fair Scandinavian maid, with your clear eyes, your engaging -smile, your gay face, and your lithe but robust physique, how you must -have pitied “the French gentleman,” as they called me, who but the other -day was so nimble, so sure of himself to all appearance, and who has -suddenly become more inert and helpless than an old cap that has been -cast away by the skipper! - -And in spite of the horrible tortures I suffered, I was vaguely conscious -of the strange humour of the situation of having my boots removed by -dainty female hands better adapted for millinery than for such a rough -task. - -Have you ever been sea-sick? If you have, you will understand me. How -well I then understood what is narrated of Cicero, who, having taken -refuge on board a vessel in order to escape the assassin sent out for him -by Marc-Antony, preferred returning to Gaeta, to face the death which he -feared, to enduring any longer the tortures of sea-sickness. - -The bay bristles with high granite mountains with snow-capped summits. -The _Virgo_ makes signals for a pilot, who is a long time coming; she -stops from five o’clock to nine awaiting him, and strange to say, when -the noise of the engine ceases we have a feeling of sadness. It is as if -something was wanting from our lives. - -At last, at half-past nine the much-wished-for pilot arrives, and the -_Virgo_ resumes her route towards Tromsö, the promised land. - -We are now floating on a lake whose banks are clad with verdure. I behold -with some amount of pleasure the objects surrounding me. - -What a contrast! On the right a group of well-built, brick pilots’ -houses, on the mountain slope, facing the sea. Heavy cumuli cover the -summits of the rocks; above, the sky is of a pure blue, and the bright -sun pours floods of golden light over the landscape. - -On the left there is a church standing all alone, the rendezvous of the -fishermen who inhabit the coast in summer. - -The sailors are getting ready the boat which is to set us ashore, as -there is no quay at Tromsö, and the _Virgo_ will remain at anchor in the -roads. - -The bay is getting narrower and villages succeed each other, with -telegraph lines on both banks. Numerous Norwegian fishing boats are -ploughing the sea. The air is pure and dry. - -The _Virgo_ glides majestically over the waves like a large bird. The -landscape becomes animated and really fairy-like. - -At eleven o’clock we sight Tromsö with its steeple, its wooden houses -and villas rising in tiers one above the other on the slope of a very -fertile mountain. The pilot is still steering the _Virgo_. Objects appear -larger and more distinct; there is the harbour, with its vessels at -anchor. - -At ten minutes past one we arrive opposite Tromsö. We drop anchor at -about five furlongs from the shore. As I have already mentioned, there is -no landing stage. We are already surrounded by several boats. There is M. -Aagaard, the consul, coming to welcome us. Then the telegraph messenger -appears, to hand Andrée a package of telegrams. Lastly there are the -friends of the explorers, and the members of the Geological Commission, -who are going to travel with us as far as the Ice-Fjord. - -We take a seat in a boat which puts us ashore in a few minutes. - -_June 14th._—We left Tromsö at 1 a.m. in splendid weather. The farewells -of the inhabitants, who came flocking in crowds to cheer us, were very -touching, and the _Virgo_ resumed her course towards the north. - -The sun was shining so brilliantly, as I have said, that I could -scarcely realize whether it was midday or midnight. - -Although less solemn than at Gothenburg, our departure was very -imposing. The whole town was assembled on the quays, and all the boats -of the port were formed in line to do us homage. There were tourists in -steam-launches and fishing boats. In short, the whole populace of Tromsö -had made a point of being there to wish us God-speed. - -In the boats there were many well-dressed ladies; in one boat, -in particular, there were five females frantically waving their -handkerchiefs to the sailors. - -Then Tromsö receded into the background, and will soon be nothing to us -but a memory, a vision looked back to with regret. - -Sunday passed without any incident. On Monday night we fell in with the -first icebergs, and progress became more difficult. - -[Illustration: DANSK-GATT.] - -_June 16th, noon._—Since the morning we have been running along the -coast of Spitzbergen, my future home, the place of my temporary exile. -The progress of the boat is slow and perilous, in the midst of floating -ice-blocks, which threaten to crush us at every moment. It requires all -the experience of the captain and all the vigilance of the man at the -wheel to avoid a catastrophe. - -The ice pilot is on the look-out in the rigging, and indicates by signal -the open channels. - -We have seen a large number of birds, whales throwing up an immense -stream of water, seals, etc. Three of these animals were disporting -themselves on an ice-floe within gunshot. They were at once saluted by a -discharge of guns, which did not hit them. - -A variety of birds, very common in these regions, among them the auk, -or fulmar (a kind of wild duck), which dives immediately it is pursued. -This is, moreover, the way in which these birds seek their food, like all -birds of the polar regions, for they live on fish. The steward of the -vessel has just killed two with one shot. These birds have a very clumsy -flight, their tail is very short, and it is only with the aid of their -web feet that they steer themselves. - -Yesterday, while passing near the Isle of Beeren-Eiland, which was hidden -from our view by the fog, we saw myriads of birds of all kinds, among -others a large number of sea-gulls. - -This morning the thermometer stood at 2° above zero (Centigrade), 35·6 -Fahr. - -There was hoar-frost all along the rigging, and the sailors on the watch -above cannot be overwarm. - -We met a Norwegian sailing boat which was hunting walrusses, and had been -cruising for several days in sight of Spitzbergen; they gave us some -useful hints as to the state of the ice. Every now and then a sailor took -soundings; the depth was from 15 to 20 fathoms. - -The _Virgo_ has just stopped her engines; the officers are holding a -council. We are at the 76th degree of latitude, and we have not much -further to go in order to reach Ice-Fjord, where we shall put in first -before proceeding to Norsk-Oarna. - -To the right the mountains covered with eternal snow; in front of us -an impassable ice-field. There is an open passage near the coast, but -the captain does not know the depth of water there. He is examining his -charts. We shall have to wait. However, I fear a delay which will not -suit Andrée. - - - - -III - -The Installation - - -_Wednesday, June 17th, in lat. 77° N._—After having vainly sought a -passage during the whole of yesterday, the captain considered it wise to -take refuge in the Horn-Sund Bay, a small natural port to the south-east -of Spitzbergen, where he cast anchor this morning at four o’clock. - -Here we are secure from all danger, and shall patiently wait till the sea -is open, which will not be long. - -Our little harbour is a marvel of creation; a ring of mountains covered -with snow, the summits of which were this morning veiled in mist. Immense -glaciers, from which portions detach themselves with a fearful crash, -animate this white landscape, while at the same time they inspire us with -a feeling of vague dread. Gigantic icebergs, resembling in their shape -and bluish colour immense crystals of copperas, are drifting about in -the middle of the bay—a veritable oasis, where the temperature is very -mild, notwithstanding the snow which covers the ground almost entirely. - -The sun is very hot, casting a golden reflection over the whole of this -charming picture, which the birds enhance by their glad song, as if to -testify to their joy and love of life. - -At 9 a.m. we set foot on _terra firma_ with undisguised satisfaction. -Andrée, Ekholm, and Strindberg go ashore equipped with their instruments. -They fix our bearings and determine the magnetic declination. - -In fact, they have been working incessantly since we went to sea. They -are true men of science, in love with their work, learned, yet making no -show of their knowledge. The geologists have found a vast field for their -researches, and the botanists have been able to collect at their ease. -However, while the fauna is varied enough, the flora is very scanty, -being confined to a few lichens, with mosses of a pretty green colour, -cochlearias, and dwarf saxifrages, the tiny violet flowers of which are -charming to behold. - -Some climbed the mountains and descended the slopes on ski, the beloved -snow-shoes of the Scandinavian. Others went hunting with the arms -presented by Swedish armourers to the Polar Expedition. As for myself, -I was content to admire this imposing nature, and tried to utilise -my modest talents as an amateur photographer, in order to perpetuate -on negatives the splendid picture in which the _Virgo_ was set, now -appearing reduced to Liliputian proportions. - -Our general quarters were established on the ruins of an encampment which -had belonged to a party of Siberian hunters who spent the whole of last -year on this spot. - -There are many fragments of driftwood cast ashore by the waves, and -numerous bones; a sailor picked up an enormous vertebra of a whale, and -the doctor extracted a molar from the jaw of a bear (the bear was no -longer there to protest). - -The pilot went to explore the sea from the top of the mountains. No -change this morning in the state of the ice. - -We reassembled on the _Virgo_ for lunch at two o’clock. Andrée went in -the ship’s boat to shoot seals, but without hitting any. After lunch we -returned to the shore, and each of us occupied himself according to his -taste. The sky cleared up, and a very cold and cutting east wind arose. -The boat was tossed about a good deal as we returned, and the current -drove before it all the pieces of ice floating in the bay. At 11.30 p.m., -at the moment when I am writing these lines, a sun-ray is falling through -my porthole, and the wind is whistling with some violence. - -_Saturday, June 20th, 4 a.m._—Pleasant awakening at the mouth of the Bay -of Ice-Fjord, opposite the _Raftsund_, which has been at anchor since -last night. - -Weather dull, a fine cold rain. A boat comes towards us, bringing a -correspondent of the paper _Aftonbladet_, of Stockholm, who is to -accompany us to Norsk-Oarna. - -[Illustration: ARRIVAL OF A GENERATOR.] - -A small boat brings my friend Vieillard, who is the bearer of despatches -for me. We spend two hours together, and my joy is great at seeing him -again, and at last hearing news from my family. Then the moment of -parting comes. M. Vieillard rejoins his vessel in order to return to -France; he takes with him my letters and despatches. I take several -negatives of the _Raftsund_, a splendid boat; and the _Virgo_ then -continues her course towards the north, after having exchanged the -customary salutes. - -The sea is free from ice, and the _Virgo_ is now going ahead full speed. - -_Sunday, 21st._—Towards 2 a.m. we arrive in sight of the Norsk-Oarna -Islands, the place intended for the erection of the shed and the future -centre of our operations. - -During the morning we take a reconnoitring trip by boat round the islands -in order to find a favourable place, accessible to our vessel, the -unloading of which will be very difficult in the absence of a landing -quay and all the plant usually available in any port. - -The charts which we possess of this region are very inaccurate. Andrée -takes a survey of several points of the coast. The huntsmen in the -boat bagged about ten eider-geese. We gave up the idea of establishing -ourselves here, and in the afternoon we reached the Isle of Amsterdam, 7½ -miles to the south-west. - -The sky is clear, the air is keen and cutting. - -_Monday morning._—The three explorers made a fresh survey, and Andrée -finally decided on the little vale of Dansk-Gatt as the point where we -are to establish ourselves. - -The place is sheltered on all sides by high mountains, opening out to -the north only upon the open sea. A wooden hut, formerly constructed by -an Englishman, Mr. Pike, will serve us as a shelter, and we shall leave -there the surplus of our reserve store of provisions. This hospitable -little house already possesses a depôt of preserved provisions, coal, and -various articles. The ground is strewn with pieces of rock and covered -with snow, into which one sinks up to one’s knees. - -_Tuesday, June 23rd._—At 6 a.m. the vessel began to unload; all the -boats are out at sea. The _Virgo_ cannot approach nearer than within 164 -yards of the bank. The disembarkation of the balloon and the gas plant -will present very serious difficulties, and will certainly take up much -precious time. - -Thermometer 2° (35·6 Fahr.) above freezing point. Barometer 29·92 inches. -Wind south-west, fresh. Sky cloudy, clear patches at rare intervals. -Sun very hot. Sea calm. The steam launch has got up steam. Mr. Pike’s -yacht came to visit the house on the 16th inst. This little structure, -built entirely of wood like the Norwegian houses, is comfortable enough; -it contains a dining-room, bed-rooms, and a kitchen. There are stoves -in all the rooms, and our sailors have lighted them in order to dry the -walls; the lock shuts badly, and the door is kept to with a piece of ice. -The garret serves excellently as a dove-cot, and we install our pigeons -there, but they will not be so comfortable there as in their ordinary -pigeon-house; nevertheless, it will be a convenient shelter for them. -These pigeons have been trained at Hammerfest. We have already despatched -several while at sea, but do not know yet whether they have returned to -Norway. - -_Wednesday, June 24th._—The unloading of the vessel proceeds rapidly. The -site for the shed is ready, and the carpenters are starting work. - -This shed, intended to shelter the balloon, deserves special mention. -Designed in a very ingenious manner, it was erected at Gothenburg, where -the inhabitants of the town could inspect it before it was dismantled for -shipment. It is of octagonal shape, and consists of four storeys, each -measuring 196·8545 inches in height. The various storeys are joined to -each other by means of bolts; the last storey is surmounted by a balcony -all round. - -In order to facilitate re-erection in Spitzbergen, the component parts of -each storey are marked with marks of different colour. The floor of the -shed is composed of timber work, all meeting in the centre, and made fast -on the rocks with pieces of wood, for the ground is very irregular, and -it is impossible to level it. - -On the east and west sides, two staircases lead to the balcony, and at -the same time serve to strengthen the structure. - -The re-erection of this shed at Dane’s Island was very laborious. It was -carried out with much skill by the two master carpenters, assisted by the -crew. - -It was necessary, first of all, to remove the snow which covered the -ground, to lay foundations, and join together the beams, which were put -up and shifted by means of a hand-winch placed in the centre of the -structure, and slewing all round. - -[Illustration: ARRIVAL OF A GAS GENERATOR.] - -The work was frequently interfered with by storms, which compelled the -carpenters to interrupt their task. - -The framework, when once put up, was closed in with large panels of wood -prepared in Sweden. - -The upper part of the shed is carried up on the south side, above the -rest of the structure, by means of beams 16 feet 4 inches high, carrying -a canvas cover, intended to protect the top of the balloon against a -violent wind. - -A movable roof or canvas awning, sliding on wire cables, was intended to -protect the balloon against snow. Unfortunately time did not permit of -putting it up in position. - -_June 26th._—In the morning the sun appeared; the sky is very clear, and -the snow is slowly melting. The temperature is pleasant to-day; but now, -in the afternoon, the cirri are approaching, and I believe that the fine -weather will not last long. - -The _Virgo_, relieved of part of its cargo, was able to get within 66 -yards of the shore. The crew then proceeded to discharge the heavy -packages, hydrogen generators, and the case containing the balloon. The -three ship’s boats, coupled together, were made up into a kind of raft, -hauled by the steam launch. - -In order to bring ashore these packages, which weighed from two to three -tons, it was found necessary to form a roadway (or a kind of inclined -plane), with the aid of two large pine logs brought from Norway, and to -haul them by means of a pulley tackle drawn by the whole of the crew. - -One is struck with the calm and intense stillness which reigns in these -regions remote from all civilization. The mountain birds alone break its -monotony, and give us a joyous concert. - -In roaming over the islands, one is surprised at the number of tumuli -and human remains to be met with. This is because Spitzbergen, too, has -its history, and that a rather troubled one; but we will not speak of it -here. - - - - -IV - -The _Victoria_—Bear Hunting - - -On the 27th of June, in the afternoon, our attention is attracted by the -arrival of a vessel coming from the north. It is always a pleasant event -to come across other navigators in these distant regions; it makes one -feel less lonely and isolated. It is Mr. Pick’s _Victoria_, commanded -by Captain Nilson, who hunts bears and seals on these shores. She casts -anchor near the _Virgo_. We enter a boat and go to welcome the travellers. - -Andrée obtains some information from the captain as to the state of the -ice in the north. I pay a visit to the boat, which, though otherwise -plain and rough, is nevertheless fitted up to perfection for the peculiar -nature of her expeditions. She contains various objects which are not -without interest for me, who am a new-comer to these regions, such as -skins of bears and various birds; also a live young bear, captured at -the Norwegian islands, which utters ominous growls, and seems to protest -energetically against this outrage upon its liberty. - -Sunday, the 28th of June, was an eventful day, and full of emotions. The -_Victoria_ left at 9 a.m. for Ice-Fjord, taking with her an enormous -parcel of letters, with our best wishes for our nearest and dearest. - -After an early lunch we started for an excursion. Strindberg, Grumberg, -Arrhénius, Dr. Ekelund, two engineers, two sailors, and myself, went off -in the steam launch. - -The weather was superb, the sea calm, the sky a little misty; some pretty -cumuli touched the summits of the mountains. We steamed round Dane’s -Island, and shaped our course towards Smeerenburg. - -Our little boat goes ahead full speed, and gives herself up to a mad race -among floating ice-blocks which cover the surface of the bay. - -The spectacle is marvellous. We are surrounded by imposing rocks, whence -the snow descends in capricious veins and furrows, and whose craggy -summits, gilded by a glowing sun, are set off against an azure sky of -exceeding purity. These granite rocks, of grotesque and erratic shape, -throw the most fantastic shadows upon the white surface of the glaciers. - -The atmosphere is so transparent that it is very difficult to estimate -distances merely by the eye. The mountains are from 2,000 to 3,000 feet -high, and yet at first sight one would think that they are very easy to -climb. I have very often been misled by this optical illusion. Sounds can -be heard very clearly at a great distance. - -We cross the course of the little sailing boat of Stadling, the -correspondent of the Stockholm _Aftonbladet_, and the colombophile of the -polar expedition. - -He is also starting on a journey of discovery, together with two -companions. - -We take our course towards the east, and land on a little islet covered -with moss. - -Our guns bring down several eider-geese, and on setting foot ashore we -came across several nests of these birds, containing three or four eggs -of the size of goose eggs and of a greyish-green colour. - -But our survey is soon made, and we resume our course in a south-easterly -direction, where we can already see the outline of the Isle of Moffen, -which is the goal of our excursion. - -This isle presents a singular contrast with the surrounding mountains, -owing to the vigour of its colouring, which changes from a light-green to -a dark-brown. - -The mosses of different varieties, interspersed with yellowish lichens -and saxifrages of a delicate violet tint, offer us a soft carpet, -inviting to rest, and delighting to the eye. - -Thousands of birds, making a deafening noise, inhabit this enchanted land. - -But their tranquillity is disturbed by our prosaic and insatiable -hunters, who give themselves up to a veritable hecatomb of game. They -have scarcely got ashore, and about one hundred eider-geese are already -lying on the ground. They are so numerous and so unsuspecting that they -will scarcely move away more than a few yards from us; one can easily see -that their solitude is rarely disturbed by visitors of our species, or at -least of an equally bellicose character. - -[Illustration: THE _EXPRESS_, THE _ERLINE JARL_, THE _VIRGO_, DEPARTURE -OF THE _VICTORIA_.] - -They much resemble our domestic ducks, and one might easily imagine one’s -self in the midst of a park or a poultry yard. At one moment I had about -ten around me, come to drink or bathe in a little brook of clear water, -which babbled in a cascade over the moss and pebbles. - -At every step one comes across a nest made of moss and feathers, -sheltered by a fragment of rock. The female bird has plucked off her -softest down to protect her eggs or her brood against the frost. The -brooding bird is scarcely disturbed by our approach. She covers up her -eggs and hides them under the down before taking her flight, if she is -given time to do so. The reports of the gun repeated again and again by -the echo reverberating from the mountains resemble the rolling of thunder -and make a hideous din. - -At four o’clock, a lunch, highly appreciated, is served out on a bank -of moss. This meal, partaken with vigorous appetite, consists of ham, -caviar, and slices of smoked reindeer-flesh; the whole being washed down -with light beer, and seasoned by the most unrestrained gaiety. A pure -Havannah cigar completes this most unconventional feast. - -We fill our lungs with the pure air, and feel it a joy to live. - -But time glides swiftly by, and we must think of returning. We are two -hours’ journey from the _Virgo_. - -Our sailors make an extensive raid upon the nests, and return loaded with -baskets full of eggs and down. The game is put on board and we depart. - -As we run along, the coast and glaciers are covered with seals, but the -noise of our engine frightens them and they flee at our approach. - -The sea has become rough, and the wind, which takes us port, sends up -waves which threaten to swamp the boat. We are much tossed about, but I -can now stand the rolling of the vessel like an old mariner. However, -we must not boast: one cannot be too sure of anything. The temperature -has gone down perceptibly, and the cumuli, which a short time ago were -hovering on the sides of the mountains, are now lowering down upon the -sea, and soon envelop us completely. We are now in the midst of a very -dense and cold fog. We can scarcely see a few yards in front of us, and -we must slacken speed in order to avoid collision with the icebergs -detached from the glaciers. The sun, which, a moment ago, still showed -very feebly, has completely disappeared. We are plunged into utter -darkness, and in spite of compass and charts we have, for the moment, -lost our bearings. What a change, after the aspect of the sky a short -while ago! The engineer whistles by way of a call to the _Virgo_, but -there is no response from that vessel. - -Without being actually desperate, our situation is becoming critical, as -we no longer know exactly what distance we have covered. - -We run a risk of passing our island without perceiving it, and of getting -lost at sea! - -At last, after several detours, we recognise the lagoons of the Isle of -Amsterdam on the right, and soon a sailor points out the _Virgo_, which -looms in the semi-darkness at a distance of fifty yards or so in front of -us. - -At this moment it is 8 p.m. The captain, Andrée, and Ekholm are on the -deck. Without being alarmed at our fate, they were glad enough to see us -back again; but Stadling’s boat has not yet come back. - -The mist becomes thicker and thicker, and one can scarcely see from one -end of the vessel to the other. One of the crew is ringing the bell -every few moments, in order to indicate the route to the three belated -tourists. The supper passes off very gaily. Each recounts his adventures -and describes his impressions; mine have been of a very lively nature. -But the day had still a far more remarkable event in store for us. - -We were beginning to be rather troubled about the fate of our friends, -when at about 10 p.m., having gone up on to the gangway to see how the -fog was, I heard, very faintly at first, a murmuring sound, then a song -keeping time with the splash of oars. No doubt it is they; evidently -they, too, have lost their way. - -The outline of the gallant little craft appears a few yards away, and the -boat comes on propelled by oars, as they had been compelled to take down -their sail. But what is that shapeless mass, of a doubtful white, spotted -with red, which fills the bottom of the boat? - -Although worn out with fatigue, the excursionists are radiant; they have -performed veritable prodigies: they have been bear-hunting, and bring -back three dead bears in their frail boat. - -[Illustration: DANES ISLAND.] - -They are at once the object of an enthusiastic ovation, while the -animals—a large she-bear and two cubs—are hoisted on board, leaving a -pool of blood in the bottom of the little boat. - -You already know Stadling, permit me to introduce his two -companions—Appelberg, engineering student of the Stockholm technical -school, and Axel Stack, chemical engineer at the Stockholm University—and -let the first-named gentleman recount in his own words the circumstances -of this somewhat dramatic adventure:— - -“You will remember the charming day we had on the 28th of June; the sun -glistened on the waters of Smeerenburg as on a mirror, the surrounding -mountains enhancing the wildness and grandeur of the scene. You will -also remember the glacier at the bottom of Smeerenburg. I have told you -about the adventure we had opposite this glacier, when in consequence of -a sudden split a detached mass of enormous size produced in the sea an -immense wave, which threatened to engulph our small boat and gave us an -unexpected douche. - -“Immediately after this adventure I hastened to take a photo of the -glacier. While searching for a suitable point, I discovered in the snow -on the shore the track of three bears going from east to west, in the -direction of South-Gatt and the open sea. Having informed my companions -of this lucky find, I returned to the boat, followed by my friends, one -of whom was gravely engaged in drying his clothes in the sun, after the -enforced bath caused by the splitting of the glacier. - -“Thereupon a rather original chase commenced; my companions rowed, whilst -I held the rudder lines, at the same time observing through my glasses -the tracks on the bank and following their direction. The tracks of the -bears led us continually from east to west. Here and there the animals -evidently had rested in some natural trenches formed in the snow. In -other places there were sloping grooves on the bank, where the bears had -amused themselves by sliding on these natural sledges. Having passed two -promontories and a very old glacier, we arrived at a third promontory, -beyond which there was another glacier about 1¼ mile wide. In front of it -there was an iceberg. - -“When we arrived at the extreme point of the promontory, we stopped, as -no further tracks were visible; from this we concluded that the bears -must be somewhere in the neighbourhood. - -“Having reconnoitred as far as the firm ice, protected by large icebergs, -I perceived the bears below the glacier, jumping one after another from a -block of ice. The mother, followed by her cubs, was giving herself up to -this exercise either to amuse herself or to give her young ones a lesson -in gymnastics,—I do not know which. - -“At any rate I watched with curiosity for some moments this scene of -ursine family life. It was an exceedingly curious sight, I assure you. -But this patriarchal and rustic scene was destined soon to come to an -end, thanks to the huntsman’s instinct which suddenly awoke within me. I -felt bound, at all cost, to kill this interesting family, the mother and -her cubs. Why? Who can reason with passion, who can reason with a hunter! -Without further idle reflection, and as the chief of a gang who has -resolved upon an immediate attack on a long-desired prey, I ordered my -comrades to remain in the boat until I returned, and on my knees I crept -over the ice, behind the fragments of rocks, towards the three animals. -This ice was perforated like a sieve, and the water fell from it in -small cascades with a continuous and monotonous noise; small fragments -were detaching themselves from it every moment, without, however, -retarding my progress. - -“Regardless of all risk, I continued to drag myself along behind -fragments of rocks and approached to within about 430 yards of my quarry. -Now I had no longer any shelter; I was exposed to view. Then I took a -long aim, fired and wounded one of the cubs. The mother rushed towards -it, sometimes looking about her, and sometimes licking the poor beast. - -“I could see her very closely with my glasses. I fired a second time, -and the mother then turned furiously towards me. My cartridges had got -damp and missed fire. I became nervous. I was obliged to go and fetch -fresh ammunition from the boat. The she-bear gave up her first idea of -attacking me and returned to her cubs. - -[Illustration: SMEERENBURG GLACIER.] - -“Then, having taken fresh ammunition, we commenced, all three of us, -to drive the animals towards the open water, and at last, to our -delight, saw the mother, followed by her cubs, start swimming. Mr. -Stack remained on the ice armed with an oar, in order to cut off their -retreat; Appelberg and myself gave chase from the boat. The she-bear, -with one of the cubs on her back, swam at a fairly good pace towards us. -We had scarcely had time to row three or four minutes before the mother -had climbed upon a large block of ice floating in the midst of the open -water. Having approached to within fifty or sixty yards I fired again, -and my bullet striking the bear between the two shoulders, passed through -her lungs. The animal uttered a terrible cry, which was re-echoed from -the mountains. In a great fury she threw herself into the sea, swimming -towards us with rage, but only for a few moments. The poor beast soon -died, still carrying on her back the cub which I had first wounded. It -was at once killed, and the other immediately afterwards. - -“We thereupon dragged the animals towards the ice-bank, where I -photographed my victims, stretched out lifeless; and it was not without -much difficulty that we succeeded in putting them aboard our frail -boat. At last we started on our return to the _Virgo_, still full of -excitement, when suddenly we were caught in the fog in the midst of the -Smeerenburg waters.” - -The next day the ice pilot, an old sea-dog, assisted by Stadling, -proceeded to cut up the three animals, the skins of which were salted, -and enclosed in barrels; after this the most delicate morsels, seasoned -with various sauces by the cook, who displayed all her talents, adorned -the table at several meals. Without being absolutely exquisite, the dish -is appetising, and besides, the chance of dining off polar bear does not -occur very often. - - - - -V - -The Midnight Sun - - -_Friday, July 3rd._—I have not put foot on shore to-day. For three days -past we have had terrible weather, and I wonder whether the shed will -be able to resist the fury of such a wind. However, this is an east -south-east wind, which would suit perfectly well for the voyage, though -the start would be very difficult under these circumstances; this delays -the work of the carpenters, and the shed does not rise up very quickly. -I felt very dull to-day, and was happy enough to read again all the old -journals which had served for packing purposes, as I am not very well -stocked with works of a purely literary character, a few volumes only -composing my whole library. I also read again the expedition of the -_Jeannette_, which Andrée had lent me, and the dramatic episodes of that -story were not calculated to raise my spirits. What an extraordinary -climate! - -In these regions fine days are very rare, though it is clear all night; -but for a long time past the sun has scarcely been seen. The thermometer -remains near freezing-point. - -But the midnight sun! What a never-to-be-forgotten spectacle is presented -by this polar sea in these radiant nights! - -As soon as the fog lifts its veil, leaving the eye at full liberty to -roam over the horizon, one sees an endless succession of palaces of ice, -strong castles, cathedrals, and fantastical structures, some majestically -indifferent to the waves which caress their mighty bases, the others -slowly rocking to and fro, notwithstanding their ponderous masses, and at -each oscillation of their sparkling faces emitting from their alabaster -sides rocket-like flashes of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. - -[Illustration: THE _VIRGO_, AMSTERDAM ISLAND.] - -Numerous cascades pour down from the vast sides of these icebergs -into basins formed in the very bases of these enormous ice-mountains, -subsequently losing themselves in the waters of the sea; and all these -waterfalls, large and small, are lit up by the hot, red rays of a -brilliant sun. - -This polar nature, which one imagines to be so poor, so icy, so inert, in -regions which we only know from dull and cold narratives of voyages,—this -wonderful nature lavishly spreads out before my eyes the sight of an -endless mass of sparkling and flashing diamonds, a veritable pyrotechnic -display of another world, which the rays of the sun cause to burst forth, -and change twenty times in a minute. - -And all this, like a sublime jewel casket, rests on velvet of an -unheard-of variety, delicate green, pale pink, orange red, crimson, -bright red, purple, golden yellow, violet, sky-blue, a marvellous velvet -of deep soft and delicately shaded tints, which the calm and irradiated -water seems to spread out for the greater delight of the eye and the soul. - -In the presence of all this grand and mighty nature, what becomes of -man’s most ingenious artifices invented to charm by the excess of -accumulated marvels? - -How paltry are the most superb decorations of his theatres compared with -what one sees here—here where the water alone and the sun undertake -the _mise en scène_! What are all the marvels hatched by his brain, by -his sovereign industry, in the presence of miracles of colouring and -brilliancy engendered by a ray of light penetrating a fragment of ice? - -_Tuesday, July 7th._—We had very bad weather on Saturday; on Sunday -the atmosphere calmed down a little, and yesterday (Monday) we had a -splendid day. We took advantage of this to make an interesting excursion -in the steam launch to Magdaleina Bay. The peninsula contains an immense -necropolis, dating back several centuries; it is here that the whalers of -Smeerenburg came to bury their dead. - -We killed a very large seal, which nearly caused the boat to capsize -when we got him on board. Strindberg killed a black fox at the foot of a -glacier. - -We returned at midnight in brilliant sunshine; in fact, at present we -constantly see the sun when the sky is clear. He is describing a circle, -of which the _Virgo_ appears to be the centre, and the sunshine is -sometimes very hot. This morning the temperature was 68° Fahr. in the -sun, and 41° Fahr. in the shade. - -The work of erecting the shed is being pushed on as quickly as possible, -but it is a gigantic task. To-day they have reached the second storey; -there are to be two more storeys above that, and these are the most -difficult ones to erect. - -In the midst of this feverish work the days pass anxiously by, for I -have had no news from Europe. I am already much perturbed, when at last, -on the night of July 12th, after a very dull day, the watch all at once -signals the arrival of a small sloop, which is sure to bring our mail. In -a few moments everybody is on deck, and the captain of the small boat, -the _Express_, hands us an enormous bundle of letters, which Andrée -distributes among us. I received fourteen, and it would be difficult for -me to express the joy I felt at this moment. - -The _Express_ brings six English and German tourists, who have come, -somewhat early, to be present at the departure of the balloon. They are -received on board the _Virgo_, and evince a very lively interest in -Andrée’s project. - - - - -VI - -National Fête - - -_On board the “Virgo,” July 14th, at night._—The bad weather continues, -and the squall is so violent that the little sloop _Express_ has been -unable to put to sea. We have a very gay lunch. Andrée made a little -speech, which greatly moved me. He spoke of the national fête in France -and of aerostation, which I represent. He praised the self-denial which I -had exhibited, and finally expressed to me the pleasure he felt in seeing -the bonds of friendship becoming closer day by day. He did not forget -either family or friends. - -The captain ordered the French _tricolore_ to be hoisted on the mainmast -and the ship to be dressed with bunting. Champagne sparkled in the -glasses. - -[Illustration: ARRIVAL OF THE CAR.] - -Strindberg played the national air, and those present overwhelmed me with -kind attentions. The following letter will give an idea of the close -friendship which reigned amongst us:— - - “On Board the _Virgo_, Dansk-Gatt, - _July 14th, 1896._ - - “To MADAME LACHAMBRE, Paris. - - “DEAR MADAME,— - - “To-day being the national _fête_ day of your native country, - _la belle France_, we gladly seized the welcome opportunity - to present to M. Lachambre our sincere thanks for the great - services which he has rendered to our expedition by the careful - and excellent work which he has executed, and for his personal - attendance here in order to give us the benefit of his valuable - experience. Certainly, this voyage has been a great sacrifice, - both for you and for him, and it is, therefore, our duty to - thank you as well as M. Lachambre. - - “We have this day drunk the health of M. and Madame Lachambre, - at the same time hoisting the tricolour and singing the - ‘Marseillaise.’ On this occasion Andrée has had the honour - of fixing on M. Lachambre’s breast the decoration of the - Academical Palms, and we have congratulated him with enthusiasm - on receiving this well-merited distinction. - - “We beg you will rest assured, Dear Madame, that we are doing - our best to minimise the inconveniences resulting to M. - Lachambre from a life in these very inhospitable regions. - - “We are, Dear Madame, - - “Yours most respectfully, - - (Signed) “S. A. ANDRÉE; NILS - EKHOLM; NILS STRINDBERG; - ZACHAU, captain of the - _Virgo_; GOSTE GRUMBERG, - zoologist; CARL EKELUND, - physician; SVANTE - ARRHÉNIUS, hydrographer.” - -And while Strindberg strummed on his violin the most poetical and -impassioned Swedish tunes, the wind raged outside and the vessel rocked -and creaked fearfully. - -_Dansk-Gatt, on board the “Virgo,” July 16th, noon._—The storm, after -calming down for a short time, burst forth again last night with renewed -violence, and the _Express_, which left at eight, was obliged to return -in haste some hours afterwards to take shelter near the _Virgo_. - -The _Virgo_ is a strong vessel, capable of braving a storm, but it -is otherwise with the small sloop, which already has barely escaped -shipwreck in coming here. - - - - -VII - -The Inflation - - -_July 21st._—To-day for the first time we were able to commence devoting -our attention to the balloon, which, since its disembarkation, has -remained enclosed in its case at the foot of the shed. - -It is now brought to the entrance and extended on the floor, covered with -a thick layer of felt. - -It is spread out after the manner of a cast-net, the valves are fitted to -it, together with their rigging, the net is placed in position, as well -as the protecting cover. - -The inflating pipes, passing through an opening made in the middle of the -floor, are joined to the gas apparatus situated 87 yards away below the -shed, behind Pike House. - -This very difficult work (the envelope alone of the balloon weighs nearly -3,086 lbs., and the net 992 lbs.) was finished in the evening of the -22nd, in a fine and penetrating rain. On the morning of the 23rd snow -commenced to fall in large flakes. The balloon is covered by it with a -thick layer, when about a hundred cubic feet of gas commence to raise -with difficulty the heavy envelope of silk. This operation commences even -before the shed is quite finished. Part of the upper enclosures is still -wanting, and Andrée abandons the idea of having the canvas awning put up, -which, however, would have been very useful; but time presses, and every -delay may jeopardize the departure. - -The car, installed in an annex to the shed, is marvellously devised. -The lower part is completely surrounded with sailcloth. It receives its -light through two lateral windows. The middle is occupied by a kind of -mattress, covered with a sleeping sack of reindeer skins. - -All around are compartments for holding books, charts, and instruments, -toilet articles, and the kitchen utensils, arms, ammunition, etc. It -is entered through a trap-door made in the ceiling. Above, at a height -of one metre, a ring, mounted on jointed railings, which keep it in a -horizontal position, forms a balcony, in the centre of which two of the -explorers will remain while the third is resting. To this circle the -instruments,—compasses, sextants, theodolites, barometers, thermometers, -photographic appliances, etc., are attached. - -The six ropes, by which the car is suspended, are joined at the upper -part by a cable, which brings them nearer to the centre, while keeping -them away from the balcony; they then extend from this hexagon towards -the suspension ring, which is fastened to the net. - -Six canvas pockets, with compartments, are fixed between the suspending -ropes from the ceiling of the car up to the balcony, for the reception of -any articles or instruments which the aeronauts may require to have at -hand at any moment. - -The load ring carries a table or board divided into compartments occupied -by four baskets intended to hold a number of accessories, buoys, -grapnels, ropes, etc. - -In the centre of the platform a square opening leaves room for a rope -ladder, attached to the appendage of the balloon, and facilitates the -inspection of the interior through windows let into the safety valve. -This platform may, if necessary, serve as a refuge for the aeronauts, -should they be compelled to abandon the car. - -The load ring supports a differential pulley for moving the guide-ropes, -the action of which, combined with that of the sail, is to afford the -possibility of a certain deviation from the direction of the wind. - -The sails are fixed to the net by hemp straps. - -The three guide-ropes are attached to this pulley by a very ingenious -piece of mechanism. With the aid of a crank and a bevel gear, the -guide-ropes, which are composed of several sections joined to each other -by screw connections, can be turned. Should the end of a guide-rope get -caught between the ice to such an extent as to arrest the flight of the -balloon, the aeronauts can release themselves by exerting an effect of -torsion on this guide-rope by means of the crank, and abandoning the -length of rope caught; a fresh length of guide-rope will then be added at -the top if necessary, making use of spare lengths of rope. - -[Illustration: AN EXCURSION TO MAGDALEINA BAY.] - -In order to prevent the guide-ropes becoming detached at an inopportune -moment, Andrée has devised the plan of providing a spring consisting of -a flat piece of steel which exerts a pressure upon the connecting screw -nut; the pressure of these springs is graduated, increasing upwards, so -that it will always be the lowest length of rope which will detach itself -first. These guide-ropes are impregnated with vaseline, which renders -them insubmersible and greatly facilitates their gliding over the ice. - -Above the ring, victuals and provisions of all kinds are stored in -canvas bags divided into compartments and strongly fastened between the -suspending ropes; all the articles are fixed so that no shock can throw -them out. - -The number of suspending ropes is forty-eight, forming forty-eight equal -intervals, of which thirty-six are occupied by bags of provisions, and -twelve by sledges, boats, spars, etc. - -The provisions comprise tins of preserved food of all kinds, chocolate, -compressed bread, condensed milk, champagne, claret, alcohol, fresh -water, not forgetting butter, an indispensable article of diet in the -polar regions. - -All these bags are weighed, classified, and labelled, and make up a -weight of 2,204 lbs. What is not consumed will serve as ballast, Andrée -having considered it more practical to carry provisions in place of -ballast. - -The apparatus for cooking the food consists of a cylinder suspended by a -strap 32 feet 6 inches in length, along which a rubber tube runs; inside -the cylinder a spirit lamp is lighted by being brought in contact with a -match ignited with the aid of a small and very simple contrivance worked -by a cord. - -A small cooking pot filled with water, and enclosed in the cylinder, can -be made to boil in a few moments. The lamp can be extinguished from the -car by blowing down the rubber tube, and a mirror, arranged at an angle -of 45 degrees, enables the occupants of the car to see whether the lamp -is well extinguished before hoisting the apparatus up into the car. - - - - -VIII - -The _Erline Jarl_ - - -_Dansk-Gatt, July 23rd._—The south wind, which has blown almost -constantly since our arrival at Dansk-Gatt, ceased on the 19th of July, -and north and north-easterly winds are now blowing, with their usual -accompaniment of rain or snow. - -The gas-working apparatus acts very regularly, yielding about 78 cubic -yards per hour. - -The work is divided into spells of six hours at a time, the first watch, -from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., being entrusted to me. I am assisted by two seamen -only, one of whom speaks French fairly well,—viz., a Mr. Knos, engineer, -who has signed for the voyage. My place is then taken by Strindberg, who, -in his turn, is relieved by Andrée, whom I succeed again. - -At 11 p.m. the sound of a siren breaks the stillness of the night, -awakening the echoes of the mountains. I then see the _Erline Jarl_, -a splendid boat, flying the Norwegian flag, coming on slowly and -majestically, in order to cast anchor at some distance from the _Virgo_. - -Around the place where the sulphates and residues of the hydrogen -apparatus discharge into the sea, the sea-water has assumed a rusty -colour for a distance of several miles. This peculiarity causes great -astonishment among the new arrivals, who imagine that they can see the -sea-bottom. - -Captain Zachau, of the _Virgo_, goes to welcome the new-comers, and -returns on board his vessel with a load of letters for our crew. - -The snow falls thicker and thicker, and the shed does not afford the -least protection. I have a kind of sentry-box rigged up for me in the -packing-case for the net of the balloon. - -We experienced much difficulty at the commencement of the inflation, and -I am frequently compelled to obtain assistance from the gas works, the -material of the balloon being so very heavy to shift about. - -[Illustration: SOLAR OBSERVATIONS AT MAGDALEINA BAY.] - -I may mention one incident in particular. The balloon had already -absorbed 1,308 cubic yards of gas, when the apparatus suddenly stopped -and absolutely refused to act, which caused great excitement among the -members of the expedition. What does it mean? Here is the solution of the -enigma. - -The pump, which draws its supply from the sea, has taken up such a -quantity of shrimps that all the cocks are choked up. We scarcely -expected to see shrimps interfere in this matter. - -Andrée, who had thought of everything else, had forgotten to reckon with -these diminutive factors. The generators and valves are cleared out and -cleaned, and the suction pipe is fitted with a rose, whereupon work goes -on without any further hitch. - -For the production of the hydrogen 55,115 lbs. of sulphuric acid and -33,069 lbs. of iron shavings have been used. All that chemistry and -physical science has hitherto produced by way of purifying, weighing, and -testing instruments is embodied in Andrée’s plant. - -On the morning of the 24th of July the tourists brought over by the -_Erline Jarl_ begin to arrive on the island; there are about sixty of -them, from all countries. Several of them bring me news from my friends, -and an acquaintance is soon struck up. We are assailed with questions on -all hands. Andrée does the honours of the establishment with much grace, -and propounds his theories as to the means he proposes to adopt in his -endeavours to reach the pole. He explains the instruments and apparatus, -while I distribute among the tourists some samples of the material -employed for the balloon. - -We hear news from Europe, always acceptable to a degree which no one can -conceive who has never been far away from his native country. Besides, in -these wild regions everything tends to augment the unconscious longing -for all that one has left behind, and those who come from a region more -or less near to one’s native country at once assume something of the -nature of long-expected personal friends. - -The night of the 24th is spent very pleasantly. I dine on board the -_Erline Jarl_, and hear a concert given by real artistes. My thoughts -wander back to scenes of the past, and I say to myself that had some -one sitting next to me at a concert in Paris told me at the time that -in so many months, or at such and such a time, I should hear the same -instruments and enjoy the same tunes at Spitzbergen, I should have been -very much surprised at such a suggestion. - -_Saturday, 25th._—At noon the small sloop _Express_ arrives, carrying -mails. At 1 p.m. the _Erline Jarl_ leaves on a trip towards the north. -The programme consists in approaching close to the ice-field, and the -amiable Captain Bade offers me a place on board his ship. But, however -much inclined to accept, I cannot leave Andrée at this moment, as the -balloon demands all our attention. - -_Sunday, 26th._—Andrée lectures to our crew. His spirited and expressive -language, his technical explanations, given with perfect clearness, -frequently elicit loud applause. - -_Monday, 27th._—The inflation is completed at the moment when the _Erline -Jarl_ returns from her trip. - -The _Victoria_ arrives at night, and the simultaneous presence of the -four vessels gives Dansk-Gatt a festive air, which is greatly enhanced by -the lovely sunshine. Our little international colony is very lively. - -After waiting a week in order to witness the start of the balloon, the -tourists lose patience. They want to be at Vadso on the 9th of August to -see the eclipse of the sun. - -On July 30th a sumptuous dinner is given us on board the _Erline Jarl_, -and on the 31st the tourists come in a body to the foot of the shed. - -To the right and to the left of the entrance the crews of the _Virgo_ and -the _Erline Jarl_ are formed up in line; at the back the passengers are -grouped round the explorers. Several speeches are made by the captain of -the _Erline Jarl_ and some of the tourists; thereupon a young lady, who -is travelling with her _fiancé_ and a relative, attaches to Andrée’s arm -a blue ribbon, and then hands him for the journey a bottle of the best -wine, a cake, and a rose-tree with four roses, one for each explorer. - -Captain Bade, of the _Erline Jarl_, then addressed Andrée as follows:— - -“If you reach the mysterious point for which you are bound, deposit there -the fourth of the roses, as a token of peace with the old world.” - -“My dear friend,” Andrée replied, in accents full of emotion, “you who -have come so far to see me set out for the conquest of the unknown, my -dear friends, I thank you! - -[Illustration: THE _VIRGO_ DECKED FOR THE 14TH OF JULY FÊTE.] - -“Mademoiselle, you have adorned me with a ribbon on the eve of my -departure; this ribbon shall be my talisman. I have been called a great -man, but it will be difficult for me to earn this title if the north -winds still continue to blow for some weeks as they do now. Our greatness -will fly with them—far, far away! What can we do to remedy this? If we -cannot make a start, we shall, at least, be able to say that we have -done all that is humanly possible, and you will be able to bear witness -thereto. - -“You are about to return to the south, and if you meet the winds we are -so urgently in need of, send them on to us here, and we shall welcome -them as messengers from our good friends on board the _Erline Jarl_. - -“My friends of the _Virgo_, a fourfold cheer for our friends who will -send us a South Wind!” - -During this touching speech the _Erline Jarl_ fires off a salvo of -twenty-one guns in honour of the Andrée Expedition, the report of which -shook the valleys to the echo. - -Thereupon, the speeches being over, we leave the isle in order to spend -the rest of the night on board the _Erline Jarl_, which is dressed, as -is also the _Virgo_, with a multitude of flags, as on great gala days, -and I never feel weary of contemplating the noble colours of the French -flag proudly floating at the head of the splendid vessel,—a delicate -compliment to me on the part of the captain, which moves me more than I -can tell. - -How full of meaning to me is this flag! How full of souvenirs and -consolation! And how well one can understand, when far away from his -native country, all the silent eloquence of this impersonal being, this -glorious symbol! Amidst all these people, speaking languages which I do -not understand, amidst all this group of men isolated at the world’s -end, and I myself feeling lost in the midst of them, so to speak, owing -to the difficulty of making myself understood by them, it contains a -living embodiment of my native land, the very representative of the soil -of France—her flag hoisted on a foreign vessel in token of the esteem in -which the children of this noble country are held. And this flag seems to -say to me: “You are not alone; I am here too! You are no longer isolated; -we are _some one_; we are taken into account here!” - -We go on board, and soon the peaceful reports of champagne corks—another -reminder of French soil—accentuate the numerous toasts which follow -each other in the large saloon. Then our spirits becoming more and more -elated, there are songs, cheers, the loud hum of animated conversation, -wishes of good luck, plans for future meetings, and we leave the -hospitable vessel in order to return to the _Virgo_ at a very advanced -hour. - -What a day! And how hearts are drawn to each other under circumstances -like these, when at rare intervals, few and far between, the oppressive -and monotonous loneliness of arduous travels in these frigid solitudes is -suddenly broken by boisterous meetings of persons, hitherto strangers, -who are so speedily transformed into old friends! - -_August 1st, 9 a.m._—Under a misty sky, heavy with snow, the _Erline -Jarl_ hoists her anchor, sweeps round majestically, sends us her last -farewells and good wishes, and then slowly glides away over the waters, -leaving behind her a foamy wake. The throbs of her engine become more -and more regular; soon we no longer hear them; and it is with a choking -sensation in our bosom, which will readily be understood, that we see -this fine vessel outlined and gradually disappearing on the horizon, -which, for a short moment, had come to bring life and joy into our midst. - -Yet a long time after, leaning with my arms on the handrail of the -gangway, I followed with my eyes the black cloud of smoke which the -_Erline Jarl_ trails over the waves; I still hear a last salute from the -siren, and return in deep thought to my cabin, in a sadder frame of mind -than I should care to admit. - -Grumberg, the naturalist, is working unceasingly to enrich his -collection; he dredges, fishes, hunts, and sets snares for foxes. He has -succeeded in capturing two very young animals, which he has installed -on the island, in a nice improvised cage, to which some anonymous wag -has attached a card bearing one of the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer in -Swedish: “Give us this day our daily bread.” - -[Illustration: STRINDBERG.] - -Grumberg watches his protégés with jealous care, and intends to offer -them to a zoological garden in Stockholm; but on the night of the -departure the foxes, who for a long time past had been working to effect -their escape by gnawing through the boards of the cage, made good their -escape and fled into the mountains, pursued by the sailors, who gave -chase. They are not caught yet. I much doubt whether Grumberg will be -able to catch them again next summer. - -But who knows; Fate is so fitful! You ought, said some one, to have -attached a “favour” to their tails, so as to recognise them again. I, -on my part, remarked that these young foxes might, perhaps, have been -acquainted with La Fontaine’s fable, entitled “The Little Fish and the -Fisherman,” and that they would be sure to return to him as soon as -they had grown to a reasonable size. And I amused myself by producing a -revised copy of this fable, specially re-edited to meet the circumstances. - - TRANSLATION. - - The little fox will grow a big fox, - Provided God will grant him life; - But to release him in the meantime - I think would be foolish indeed. - - Two foxes that were but foxlets, as yet, - Quite young little things, - Were captured by chance - By the good Doctor Grumberg - On the Isles of Spitzbergen. - -“All is fish that comes to the net,” said he, on beholding his prey. - - They will serve to start a collection; - Let us make a pretty cage for them. - -One of these foxlets, regretting his captivity, said to him, in his own -fashion,— - -“What are you going to do with us? We should make a very poor present for -a small museum. - -“Let us grow up into foxes; you can catch us later on, some fine day, and -a good museum will pay you a good price for us. - -“Whereas, in order to make a gift worth giving, you would have to get -about a hundred of our size, which gift, after all, would be little -worth.” - -Little worth? “Well then,” replied the hunter, “that may be. - -“My good friend, Renard, you who preach so well, you must go into the -cage; and you may say what you like, it will be made at once. - -“‘One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,’—one is sure and the -other is not.” - -But the two foxlets, deaf to these remarks,—possibly they did not -understand the doctor’s language,—worked so hard and so well, that one -day the learned man, in search of curiosities, found an empty cage. - -The amiable Dr. Ekelund has rarely had any occasion to act in his -professional character, as apart from a few jammed fingers and other -minor injuries the state of health is excellent. Hence he employs his -leisure time in pulling nails out of cases, or else he prepares for -stuffing the birds of various species which he has killed when out -hunting. During the inflation of the balloon, he superintends the action -of the gas apparatus, and takes turns in this duty with Professor -Arrhénius and Stake. - -These gentlemen are also taking their share in the meteorological service -which is carried on regularly by the staff of the expedition. - -The observations are minutely recorded every hour in the ship’s -log. On the Isle of Amsterdam the snow is tinged with red for a -considerable distance, and the _savants_ are collecting it to examine -it microscopically. It presents, in fact, certain peculiarities; it is -thought that it contains very small plants. Scoresby, the famous whaler, -had already remarked this. - - - - -IX - -The Snow - - -_Dansk-Gatt, August 4th._—The _Express_ left last night, carrying away -our last letters; and as the season is advanced, we have now no hope of -receiving at Dansk-Gatt any more news from Europe. - -The north wind is still blowing, and has brought a regular snowstorm; the -mountains have donned their winter mantle, and nature seems to prepare -for sleep. Birds are becoming rare, and their joyful cries are no longer -to be heard. A white hood covers the top of the balloon, which only -awaits a current of wind from the south to take flight; but this wind, -which was blowing during July, has now completely subsided. What an -irony of fate! Who could foresee such a _contretemps_, and how admirably -successful the expedition would have been were we in possession of the -secrets of the gods. - -[Illustration: THE CUPOLA OF THE BALLOON (TOP OF THE SHED).] - -At present the sky is overcast and dark in the north; it is a long time -since the sun has shown itself. The sea is very rough. - -The flag hoisted on top of the mountain, behind the balloon-shed, to -indicate the direction of the wind, was blown down last night by the -squall. It was the opinion of the ice-pilot that we were in no danger -of being packed in the ice until the end of the month; but the captain, -who was answerable for the safety of the men, declared that the _Virgo_ -should weigh anchor on the 20th at the latest, at any cost, to resume her -voyage southwards, no matter what the fate of the polar expedition might -be. - -Andrée and his two companions were patiently waiting for the clouds to -break up and for a fresh southern wind, in order to take their flight. -They have the faith which gives courage. The balloon seems anxious to be -freed from her fetters to show her strength and her power. Everything is -ready, weighed and anticipated; everything is seen to and checked in the -smallest details by Andrée; provisions, instruments, and outfits, all are -in their places. - -We have only to suspend the car and to pull down the northern part of the -shed. This would not take many hours, but we want a favourable wind, and -for this we are waiting in vain. The delay, unavoidable though it is, -endangers the success of Andrée’s expedition, and is very regrettable, -for the sun is very low, and the polar night is approaching. - -_August 5th, noon._—The snow keeps on falling, but the wind is turning -to the south-west. It is almost what is required, and hope is quickly -reviving. May Fate soon open the route to the north to Andrée, and return -me to my country and my anxious family! At seven o’clock in the evening -the state of the atmosphere remains unchanged; the snow is whirling -about, and the sky is gloomy. - -_Dansk-Gatt, August 6th._—A small balloon, launched at 6 o’clock, having -ascended to the height of 325 yards, took an easterly direction. The gas -apparatus is working; the balloon which has been inflated for ten days, -is full. It is covered with snow and there is not a single spot on the -balloon shed that is not white. The car is, however, protected by an -awning, but the whirling snow penetrates everywhere. - -It is impossible to stop on deck, for the wind is raging, and the day -goes by in monotony and gloom. Every one longs for the end of this -campaign which seems interminable; so long as tourists and whaling boats -were moored near us, and brought with them life and movement to this -solitary spot, our stay was very agreeable—it was a lively and cheerful -international colony. Now Dansk-Gatt has resumed its mournful and -forsaken aspect. “And the snow was still falling,” as Xavier de Montépin -would say. - -Then, confined within the walls of my cabin, my dominion of two square -metres, I begin to peruse the few books I have and which, alas! I know -already by heart, but still hoping to find therein something very -interesting, if not new, at least old. And I was not disappointed, for I -read over with great interest _La Mer_, by my playfellow, the excellent -poet Jean Richepin, whose verses on snow were very much to the point. - -It is long, long since, when sitting on the benches in our little school -at Belleville, we were looking together over the top of the map of Europe -at this small archipelago, named Spitzbergen, which appeared to my -childest imagination to be an inaccessible point. - - - - -X - -A Long Wait - - -_Smeerenburg, Friday, August 7th._—Noon. The sky is bright and the sun is -sending us a few rays which are reviving our hopes a little. The snow is -melting; but the wind, though slight, is still blowing from the west. The -balloon which holds its gas well is dripping little by little. - -I made a long excursion on the east side of Dane’s Island. The island -of Fogll-Sund is glittering in the midday sun. The birds have awakened. -I saw several flocks of eiders. At six o’clock four pilot balloons are -launched, three were driven south-west at 547 yards and one towards the -sea at 65 yards. - -_Saturday, 8th, 10 o’clock._—Sky overcast, wind slight and uncertain, -with tendency to turn S.E. Thermometer 7° (44·6 Fahr.). - -Afternoon, S.E. wind at 1,093 yards; on land wind still, or slightly to -the north. - -At nine o’clock in the evening the upper wind is still S. Let us hope -that it will descend and that, at last, our plans may be realized. - -_Sunday, August 9th._—Morning, S. wind slight; afternoon, dead calm; -hardly any need to say every one is weary. Ekholm declares that the -balloon is losing about 66 lbs. per day; he thinks it able to stand a -voyage of from forty to fifty days’ duration. But under the circumstances -it is really very little; yet the envelope is solid and well finished. - -_Monday, August 10th._—Balloon very full although no gas was let in since -last Friday (sixty-five yards). Temperature somewhat higher. S. wind, -very slight, barometer at a standstill. - -_4 o’clock p.m._—Wind on land, nil. - -A pilot balloon launched at 2 o’clock. Rose to 109 yards; direction N. -Speed from thirteen to fourteen feet per second. Evening, 7 p.m., S. -wind, pretty strong in the upper regions. - -Then a complete change, the north wind prevailing. - -What, then, are we going to fail at the last moment? - -Must we pack up this balloon, ready to take her flight to a land around -which so many vain efforts have been made for centuries past? - -“My kingdom for a horse!” cried Richard III., in one of those struggles -in which the human wretch thinks he acquires so much glory by massacring -his fellow-man and by spreading death in his path. And what would not -the three hardy explorers have given for a breath of favourable wind, -which would have enabled them to carry on the struggle they had commenced -against the unknown! - -What bitter reflections came into my mind! - -In a smiling country, where everything bespeaks work and prosperity, -where each one trusts to the future, happy in the labours undertaken, -happy in his daily tasks, suddenly there arises this very wind so much -longed for here, and in a few minutes the tempest in its blind fury has -sown death and ruin where life and wealth were working together! - -Here science stood in need of a little of this destructive wind, of ever -so little, but none came. - -And possibly, further away, ships were being wrecked and lives destroyed -by it. - -[Illustration: THE BALLOON IN THE SHED DURING ITS DEFLATION.] - -Oh, for a balloon that could be steered! Why have we not one here? - -_Friday, August 14th (19th day of inflation), 7 a.m._—The lieutenant -has just informed us that a south wind is blowing; in fact it is pretty -strong. The gas apparatus is set to work to complete the inflation. - -The snow is falling gently, but it melts quickly. At nine o’clock Andrée -launches a small balloon which takes a northerly course at an elevation -of forty to fifty yards, but it immediately turns off to the east as it -rises, _then the wind turns due west and we cease to hope_. - -Our joy was of short duration. Besides, the season is now too far -advanced to attempt such a voyage. It is winter. - - - - -XI - -The _Fram_ - - -At half-past nine the ice-pilot signalled a three-master off the eastern -cape of the Isle of Amsterdam. - -Great excitement prevails on board the _Virgo_. What object has this -vessel in coming to these regions visited only by whalers and tourists? -She stops and hoists the Norwegian flag on her main mast. One cry went up -from all hearts: “Nansen! Nansen coming back from the Pole.” - -Those who had seen the photo of the ship _Fram_, recognise her perfectly -well in the steamer which is lying at a distance of 2½ miles from us. - -The snow is falling fine and thick. The captain and Andrée, Ekholm and -Strindberg, are leaving in a steam launch to receive their valiant -compatriots. When a few fathoms from the _Fram_, Andrée and his -companions raise a vigorous cheer in honour of Nansen, but the faces -of the sailors on board are saddened with a painful expression. Nansen -is not with them. On the 14th of March, 1895, he left them at 84° lat., -accompanied by the young lieutenant, Johannsen, taking with him sledges, -twenty-eight dogs, and provisions for 120 days. He directed his steps -towards the North Pole in the hope of returning by way of Franz-Josef -land, where the Jackson Expedition was to winter. - -After the exchange of greetings of welcome and when the emotion of the -first moment had subsided, the members of the two expeditions indulged -in a friendly conversation, happy and surprised at the same time to meet -again in the glacial Arctic Ocean, free at last. - -The _Fram_, which only a day before was packed in the ice at 81°, heard -of our presence from a whaler; as soon as she was in open water she made -for Dansk-Gatt in the hope of getting news of Nansen. - -Captain Sverdrup, Lieutenant Hansen, the doctor and five other members of -the crew, take their places in the launch. The remaining three men stay -on board, while the small party are coming to visit our quarters and the -balloon, which is waiting in the shed. - -It is easy to imagine how greatly these brave men are astonished. - -Then the expedition comes on board the _Virgo_ where champagne soon foams -in glasses. It is a pleasure to look at these brave sailors who, after -three years and two months passed amidst the polar ice, are so happy to -find themselves in the company of their “brothers in arms, and companions -in peril.” - -I am proud to be one of the first to greet the _Fram_ on her return to -these distant regions. I had the good fortune to converse at some length -with Lieutenant Hansen, who speaks French fairly well. He is an amiable -man, of about thirty years of age, a little over medium height, dark, -with bright eyes and intelligent forehead, and pleasing manner. - -He put numerous questions to me concerning the events which had taken -place in Europe during the last three years. I informed him of the death -of Alexander III., of the assassination of President Carnot, etc., and -I spoke to him also of new discoveries and inventions: cinematographe, -X-rays, etc., etc. - -[Illustration: THE SHED AND THE BALLOON CASE.] - -All this seemed to greatly interest him. Then in a few words he told me -the extremely touching story of the _Fram’s_ voyage. - -Andrée made a speech and proposed a toast to Nansen and his gallant -companions. The captain and the lieutenant replied in a few vigorous and -moving words, and I felt myself struck with admiration for these brave -men who have carried the European colours to the 86th degree of latitude. - -They are happy to see their country and their homes again, but they are -calm and patient as becomes true heroes. The lieutenant has a _fiancée_ -awaiting him, Andrée hands him a letter, only just arrived, from his -mother. He also hands Captain Sverdrup a letter addressed to Nansen, and -bearing the inscription, “The North Pole.” - -The _Fram’s_ library contains the _Five Weeks in a Balloon_, by Jules -Verne, and the crew had often dreamt of the possibility of a balloon -expedition coming to their relief. The dream was very near reality. In -life everything is unforeseen, yet everything happens. If the polar -balloon had started a few days ago it would have surely noticed the -_Fram_ on its way. “Man proposes and God disposes.” - -It is painful to think that we shall have to take the aerostatic material -back to Sweden and wait. - -Disappointment for Andrée’s polar expedition: joy and triumph for the -Nansen expedition if their commander returns soon. - -Andrée places in the captain’s button-hole a sweet-scented rose, “La -France,” a rare flower in Spitzbergen, and offers him a box of excellent -cigars, a present which is greatly appreciated by our genial guests. Then -the launch takes them back to their vessel amidst the hurrahs of the crew -of the _Virgo_. - -At five p.m., in a fine chilling snow, we pay our visit to the _Fram_ and -take photos of her. - -When we are near the ship about twenty Siberian dogs, ranged in her bow, -receive us with loud barks, but soon they recognise that we are friends -and their bark is rather one of joy than any indication of hostility. -They are all pleased at our caresses. Captain Sverdrup does the honours -of his ship, which, if she has not the refined elegance of the _Erline -Jarl_, yet inspires confidence by her sturdy appearance. She is the -traditional Norwegian ship, with wooden hull well strengthened, her masts -and her bulwarks roughly cut; in the bow the upturned boats, placed on -frames, form a kind of shelter under which are suspended a couple of -dozen bears’ hams, partly cured and dried; birds freshly killed for -eating, casks and articles of every description, winch, anchors, cables, -etc. In the stern the tiller is placed in a square hole made in the hull -of the ship. On one side a spare tiller consisting of a massive piece of -wood; compass, instruments, and the necessary rigging. - -I stop at the observation post where the lieutenant tells us about his -work and shows us the charts of the voyage; then we descend into the -cabins, passing near the kitchen from which proceeds a very agreeable -odour. - -Traversing about ten steps of a very dark staircase, I find myself in the -saloon, which has a hexagonal shape not devoid of originality. A lamp, -with a reflector, fixed on the central pillar, emits a vague light to -which my eyes accustom themselves with difficulty. - -The wainscotting is of a primitive style of decoration, painted white, -picked out with bright colours, in which red and green predominate. -There is a very comfortable sofa in the background, placed opposite a -table, at which the crew take their meals. The walls are adorned with -several pictures, one of which is an illustration of a Norwegian legend: -three princes, who have metamorphosed themselves into white bears in -order to win the hearts of three coy princesses whose hair seems to be -flying heavenwards. The bears, good princes as they are, are licking -their feet. Another picture is the portrait in crayons of Mrs. Nansen and -her child. The saloon is heated by a stove, which keeps it at an even -temperature of 15 to 16 degrees. Air and light are admitted by a glazed -skylight running across the stern deck. - -On the left there is an automatic harmonium with a keyboard, to amuse the -crew on dull days. One of our hosts, the engineer, improvised several -tunes for us; it is wonderfully original, and if it were not for the -respect due to Nansen, we would have invited the fair Charlotte, the -stewardess with whom the reader is already acquainted, to have a dance, -as the ladies were with us. - -For more than three years woman had not entered Nansen’s ark, and the -crew were demonstratively gallant. The cabins of the crew are situated -around the saloon whence they receive their supply of air, having no -other communication with the outside; they are lighted by lamps fixed -on the walls. The cabins of the captain, lieutenant and doctor, with -their maps, instruments, arms, and different other objects, are very -interesting: photographs and hundreds of weird objects constitute a droll -_ensemble_. - -In every cabin there is a portrait of the loved one. - -The captain showed us the chart of the _Fram’s_ voyage as made out by the -observations; and after that a collection of very curious photographs -representing the life and the stirring wanderings of the crew since their -departure in 1893. The vessel in the midst of the ice, their winter -quarters, the encampment, the glaciers, the icebergs, the observations, -the mirage, the aurora borealis, the _Fram_ buried under the ice which -almost annihilated her, the crew working fifteen days with pickaxes to -clear away the ice, the sledges, the dogs, the windmill at the mizzen -mast for driving the electric dynamo, the moonlight, Nansen’s departure, -etc., are so many pictures which one cannot look at without heartfelt -emotion, and which leave far behind everything written or pictured by -Jules Verne in _Captain Hatteras_. - -We leave the _Fram_ at nine p.m. after hearty farewells. - -During the night the Nansen expedition peacefully took its course to the -south. They have still on board provisions and coal for three years. - -_Sunday, August 16th._—The snow ceased falling, and the sun who does not -renounce his rights, comes for an instant to restore another glimmer of -hope; the wind, although mild, vacillates and appears to tend northwards. -Another disappointment. - -At last, on _Monday, August 17th_, after twenty-one days of waiting -in feverish anxiety, Andrée resigns himself to open the valves of the -balloon, which is quite full; and it is with regret, easily understood, -that I watch the escape of 17,658 cubic feet of gas, to produce which -gave us so much labour. - -[Illustration: THE SWEDISH GUNBOAT _SVENSKSUND_.] - -The folding and packing are not easy work. And then, as the case of the -balloon had been destroyed, it was necessary to improvise one and take -the whole material back on board the _Virgo_. The planks of the shed, -except those of the second storey, required for the stability of the -edifice, have been removed. The gas apparatus is covered over, and all -the delicate or fragile parts are shipped on board. - -_Thursday, August 20th._—The _Virgo_ is loaded. The morning was spent in -solidly tying up all objects which might be shifted by rolling. Andrée is -working in the shed up to the last moment; he is tying down the boards, -shrouding the frames; he has the half of the floor carried off so that -the wind may sweep away the snow. Then he leaves, fixed to a post, a -framed placard stating the ownership and the object of the shed, which he -commends to the care of the few fishermen who are still in the islands of -the North. - -Finally, after lunch, at four o’clock, the _Virgo_ weighs anchor. We -take a last photograph, and a last look at Dane’s Island, which soon -disappears in the fog. The expedition is at an end. - - - - -XII - -The Storm - - -The barometer has undergone a rapid depression since last night. Hardly -had we rounded Amsterdam Island, taking a south-west course, when the -vessel began to roll, and a few moments later the storm struck us. The -sky darkened and the _Virgo_ lurched terribly. I was again a prey to -terrible sea-sickness and retired to my cabin. All the kitchen utensils -and earthenware vessels are dancing a jig round me. The _Virgo_ which has -lost some of her ballast is rolling frightfully. The captain has had a -small jib placed at the bow which lessens the rolling. - -The wind is raging and furious waves are sweeping the deck. Only a few -of the crew have escaped sickness, and in the evening the dining-room is -empty. - -Every two hours the ship is stopped and Professor Arrhénius takes -samples of water at various depths; when the engine stops the rolling is -still worse. We are overtaken by a snowstorm and darkness is complete. -After twenty-four hours on a south-westerly course, which is taking us -away from Tromsö, the _Virgo_ returns south-east, and the storm begins to -subside. We see ships at a distance, and the temperature rises as we draw -nearer to Norway. - -It was on the 22nd that we passed near Beren Island, which was hidden by -the fog. A number of birds surrounded our ship which is again sailing -fast. - - - - -XIII - -My last Night on the _Virgo_ - - -The storm has blown over. I recovered my appetite and my good humour, and -the night of the 23rd-24th was a very pleasant one. - -For some time past I had seen no darkness, and this night was not without -poetic surroundings. - -A few stars are already twinkling in the zenith, when at about ten -o’clock the sun disappeared from the horizon leaving a long twilight -which lasted until dawn. - -[Illustration: A LAPLANDERS’ CAMP.] - -The sky was tinted with purple hues forming an immense rainbow, -stretching from west to east. Grey clouds of the weirdest forms travelled -through space, and lent animation to a view which it would be difficult -to paint. The full moon, which appeared as the sun set, shone brightly, -casting her white light on the silvery waves. The disc was extremely -large, and the outlines of the land were shown very distinctly. - -Alone on the bridge, I gave myself up to my dreams. The temperature -having perceptibly risen, I experienced the greatest comfort in sailing -thus in the direction of the land. My companions were hardly able to -rouse me from my contemplation and induce me to go down and play cards -in the dining-room, where a lamp was lit for the first time. The sea was -as calm as a lake, and navigation was a pleasure in this calm after the -storms we have endured. - -_August 24th._—It is dawn, the moon is waning and the day-star resumes -possession of the scene. Birds still accompany us and whirl round the -_Virgo_, the black smoke of which unrolls itself like a plume of feathers. - -We are approaching the Norwegian coast, and can see the cliffs. Vessels -and craft of every description are moving to and fro. We are coming back -to life; we feel that we are returning to civilization. The breakfast -at nine o’clock is very animated. The weather is warm, and we are all -preparing to make our entrance into Tromsö. - -At eleven o’clock we are at last in sight of the town, and by noon the -_Virgo_ is berthed in the port opposite the _Fram_, which we had met at -Dansk-Gatt on the 14th of August. - - - - -XIV - -The Return - - -We are at once surrounded by friends, and learn with pleasure that Nansen -is a guest on board the small white yacht _Otaria_, anchored near the -_Fram_, which she brought in tow from Hammerfest. - -I much regret not being able to shake hands with him, but I am leaving -my companions after sincere and heartfelt farewells to take my passage -on the mail boat _Haakon Jarl_, which is leaving in a few minutes. Dr. -Ekelund accompanies me to Trondhjem. One of the officers on board hands -me letters and papers from France. Now, then, I am going to have a -foretaste of the pleasure of again seeing those dear to me; I already -feel that they are near me. - -The _Haakon Jarl_ is a superb steamer, conducting the mail service along -the coasts of Norway, where railways are unknown. - -Navigation through the fjords is full of charms and surprises. The -landscape is of the most varied description: at one time tall rocks, -snow-capped like the mountains of Spitzbergen; at another, green -wooded hills, fertile prairies with large herds of cattle grazing, -and arable land in all its luxuriance. Little hamlets on the mountain -sides, villages, châlets nestling mid fir trees and beeches suggest the -picturesque scenery of Switzerland. - -The vessel threads her way through the islands, and touches at all the -stations on her route. - -The plaintive sound of the siren re-echoes from the mountains, announces -her arrival, and small vessels surround the steamer to receive and -deliver dispatches, to take off passengers and their luggage, and then to -make for their various destinations. - -[Illustration: A WHALE.] - -The fore-deck is one mass of cases, heaps of bricks, casks, bales, bark, -and articles of every description. With the exception of a few tardy -tourists going from Tromsö to Trondhjem, as it is already late in the -season, passengers seem to change at every station. In some places the -banks on either side are quite near, and it requires all the skill of -the captain to make his way between the beacons, and avoid the numerous -rocks scattered along the course. During the winter the passage is -lighted by the lighthouse, but just now the nights are short, and there -is very little darkness. We pass a great many vessels going through the -Loffoden Islands. - -Meals are served in a sumptuous saloon, and the traditional amateur -concert takes place after dinner. The evening is spent in smoking cigars -on deck, where Nature is the leading feature on the programme. The scene -is as full of variety as of surprises. - -First the sun, whose immense scarlet disc sinks slowly into the wave, -leaving in its track a fiery horizon. The whole sky is coloured with -tints running the gamut from violet to light grey. Clouds assume -fantastic forms, merge into one another, transform their outlines, -then disappear; then the pale moon appears, and its silvery glimmer is -reflected on the waters. - -I stand for hours together in an ecstasy of admiration before these -changing pictures, so little known to Parisians. A few stars are shining -in the firmament; the air is pure, the night calm, and the atmosphere -pleasant. - -I can breathe freely and enjoy life. The light breeze, which brings us -the perfumes from the pine woods, is barely enough to stir the surface of -the sea. In the wake of the ship is a long phosphorescent track. Every -turn of the propeller brings me nearer to my country, the main object of -my thoughts. - -The _Haakon Jarl_ stayed a few hours at Bodo, a small Scandinavian town, -beginning to show traces of civilization. Doctor Ekelund and I landed. -We were pleased to find some newspapers, in which a meeting of Andrée -and Nansen at Tromsö was referred to, also the Polar voyage chart of the -celebrated Norwegian explorer. We afterwards attended an open-air concert -given by a family of German artists. - -During our passage to Torghatten, a small troupe of the Salvation Army -came on board, and amused us a good deal with some of their musical -performances, and their devout, though rather extravagant, practices. - -The captain, a respectable lady, with her head concealed at the farther -end of a huge poke-bonnet, which would not be out of place at Madame -Tussaud’s, was gravely seated in a rocking-chair, and presided over the -spiritual concert given by the members of the congregation. The devout -musicians, leaning against a heap of dried cod-fish, sang in more or -less plaintive tunes the praises of the Lord, who doubtless understands -all languages. For my part, I did not understand a single word of these -hymns, but I could judge by the faces of the audience that the music, -which _emollit mores_, did not convince them. It was a wonder we did -not throw them some small change; we expected that one of the pleasant -company would go round, hat in hand, to make a collection for the -expenses of the institution, or for any other more prosaic purpose. - -A pretty young girl, of sixteen or seventeen years of age, with her hair -arranged after the fashion of Miss Helyett (doubtless the captain’s -niece), followed in a book, though with a distracted sort of devotion, -the songs of the Salvation Army. - -However, the amusements on board were not very numerous, and this was -the chief item, as far as I was concerned, in the passage from Tromsö to -Trondhjem, where the main body of the army awaited their brethren, who -were coming from the North to gain souls for Paradise. - -_Thursday, August 27th._—About four p.m. the town of Trondhjem appeared -to be south-east. This is the haven so long wished for, although I have -no right to complain of this latter portion of my voyage, during which no -one suffered from the rolling of the vessel. The largest northern town -in Norway, where the houses and buildings are made entirely of wood, has -really an original appearance, and I sincerely regretted that I could not -make a longer stay; but a few hours afterwards I left my amiable guide, -Dr. Ekelund, and took a quick train on the single-line railway which was -to carry me, within seventeen hours, over the 310 miles that divided me -from Christiania. - -The train started with some difficulty, and could only ascend the -first incline with the aid of a locomotive coupled on behind. At last -it proceeded at its normal rate of speed; the line was so bad that my -carriage was shaken terribly. The pinewood structures seemed extremely -fragile, and the bridges thrown over the lakes and streams made one -giddy. - -After our two months stay at Spitzbergen, where the vegetable kingdom is -represented by moss and lichen, it was pleasant to come back to verdure, -trees and flowers. Here Nature is displayed in all her splendour, and I -should never tire of admiring the marvellous landscapes, the châlets, -the torrents and the waterfalls which all contribute to the grandeur of -Norwegian scenery. - -The farmers gathering in the harvest, the wood-cutters cutting down -trees which they send down from the top of the mountain by the river, -which conveys them to a port where they will be received and either sent -to a saw-mill or shipped on board a trading vessel—all here is life -and movement. What a contrast to the frozen solitudes of Spitzbergen! -Hamar is the terminus of the narrow railway. Here we entered the elegant -carriages that cross to Elsinore; and lastly, a few hours later, we -neared Christiania and descended at full speed such a steep incline that -at each moment we asked ourselves with terror where we should go if the -brakes failed to act. - -On getting out at Christiania, we found ourselves in the midst of -civilization. At the station I was assailed by an army of touts, from -whom I only escaped by taking refuge in the fly from the Grand Hotel, -where French is spoken, and where I found a degree of comfort to which I -had become unaccustomed—the refined luxury of great cities. At breakfast -I listened to a concert that would not have been out of place on our -_grands boulevards_. I visited the town, which is very interesting, and -made purchases of furs and articles of which Norway has the monopoly, -various knick-knacks and little trifles that afterwards serve to remind -us of our wanderings. I stayed two hours in Copenhagen, and at last -on Sunday the 30th of August I embarked, at dawn, at the mouth of the -canal at Kiel, on board the mail-boat _Skiruer_, on which I made my last -passage. All the passengers on the boat were on deck to see the German -fleet which was drawn up at this station. Twenty ironclads, a great many -despatch-boats and torpedo-boats lying at the entrance of the canal -excited great curiosity; moreover the spectacle was new to me as well as -to most of the passengers, and it is not one that can be seen every day. - -[Illustration: DEPARTURE FOR A HUNTING EXPEDITION.] - -At last I arrived at Hamburg and came on to Paris, passing through -Cologne and Liège. - -The polar balloon was returned to me a little while after, to be kept -until the time when M. Andrée should start on his expedition. - -By my advice, Andrée agreed that I should increase the volume of his -balloon as much as possible by adding to its equator two zones of silk of -treble thickness, thus bringing the cubic measurement of the balloon to -about 176,582 feet. The result of this addition was an increase in the -ascending power of nearly 650 lbs., which is not to be despised. - -The outer envelope was then re-varnished inside and out, and, the -repairing being completed, the balloon was sent off towards the end of -April, 1897, to Gothenburg to be shipped on board the _Svensksund_. - -Andrée’s new companions, M. Fraenkel, acting member, and M. Svedenborg, -assistant, came to Paris in the spring[1] to go through a course of -balloon practice. They made a series of ascents for practice from the -aerostatic park at Vaugirard in the “Nobel” and the “Fram,” under the -direction of Messrs. Machuron, Lair and myself. - -Notwithstanding my desire to revisit the polar regions, I gave up my -place to my nephew and collaborator, who, more fortunate than myself, -witnessed the departure of the balloon. - -Awaiting the return of the courageous explorers, I conclude the account -of this voyage which will constitute an epoch in my life and will leave -behind it ineffaceable memories. - - HENRI LACHAMBRE. - -PARIS, _October 14th, 1897_. - -[1] As Strindberg did last year. - - - - -SECOND PART - - - - -I - -Departure of the Second Expedition - - -On the 18th of May the town of Gothenburg prepared to witness the -second departure of the Polar Expedition. On the quays of the port the -inhabitants assembled in crowds testified to Andrée their admiration for -his ever memorable undertaking. - -The rebuffs he experienced last year had not shaken his faith; he still -stood firm, and was still the same, with his eagle eye and his iron will. - -Notwithstanding his modesty, Andrée could not help being moved by the -enthusiastic manifestations that were showered upon him. His perseverance -disarmed the most sceptical. The good wishes of everybody followed him -and his companions. People at last understood that this innovator is a -man. - -At six p.m. the _Svensksund_, which had no other decoration than the -national flag, weighed anchor amidst the tumultuous acclamations of the -public. Most of the ships were decorated with flags and saluted the -_Svensksund_ as she passed them. - -We rapidly left them behind. - -As was the case last year, a number of vessels laden to the water’s edge -crowded round the port. Some filled with friends and relations of the -explorers accompanied us as far as the open sea, where the last adieux -were said. One boat came alongside and took the telegrams which we wished -to send to our families and friends. - -Soon the shores of Sweden, gilded by the rays of a beautiful sunset, -gradually disappeared from the horizon, and we were steaming along on the -open sea at full speed. - -The _Svensksund_ is a Swedish gun-boat of 300 tons, solidly built, which -in winter renders great service to merchant vessels by cutting passages -through the ice, with which the port of Gothenburg is blocked during the -period of frost. - -[Illustration: ON THE ICEBERGS.] - -This boat, which is manned by picked men, and admirably suited for -cruising in the Arctic regions, has been graciously placed at the -disposal of the Andrée Expedition by His Majesty the King of Sweden. - -On board were all kinds of valuable articles, scientific instruments and -the aerostatic apparatus; the balloon was placed in the best ventilated -position, and will be able to make the voyage without the least danger. -If our vessel is strongly built and calculated to resist the pressure -of ice, its flat form is less suited to the open sea, and causes -considerable rolling. I soon felt the first symptoms of sea-sickness, -and retired to my cabin where I remained until the following evening. -On the 20th of May I woke up relieved, although my brain was still -somewhat clouded, but this feeling was soon dissipated on the deck by a -fresh breeze and a bright sun. We were in sight of the Norwegian coast; -and we soon entered the fjords where the voyage became more enjoyable -between the high mountains that fringe the two opposite shores. Very -little vegetation; moreover the snow still covered all the more elevated -parts and those that do not catch the rays of the sun; spring was just -commencing at this latitude. - -Along the shore are scattered a few habitations, generally low and -surrounded sparsely by shrubs which were just beginning to put forth -their first green leaves. - -At noon we arrived at Bergen, an important Norwegian port, which is -advantageously situated, the vegetation being much more advanced here -than in the districts we had been passing through. Here the banks were -green and beautifully tinted; the background consisting of snow-covered -mountains, which reflect a dazzling light. - -We left Bergen at two o’clock, after having engaged a pilot to steer us -through the fjords. - -The sky was clear, the sea calm and still; moreover, here, the wind has -no sweep, and there is no fear of storms. We saw on all sides birds -and wild ducks of various species, and occasionally dolphins showed -themselves disporting in the water. - -Suddenly the scene was changed. - -We passed into a fog, which was slight at first, but gradually became -denser and denser; we had to slacken speed, and at four o’clock were -obliged to stop, the course becoming dangerous amidst the numerous -islets and reefs with which the fjords are studded. - -The captain anchored his vessel for the night in a little bay sheltered -by high and precipitous mountains (latitude 60° 48´, longitude East -of Greenwich 4° 48´ 30´´). This delay enabled us to attend a grand -dinner given by the officers of the vessel, Captain C. A. Ehrensvärd, -Lieutenants G. Norselius and G. Celsing, and Dr. J. Chr. Lembke, to -welcome the members of the expedition, M. S. A. Andrée, engineer, and -head of the expedition; Messrs. Nils Strindberg, of the University of -Stockholm, and Knut Fraenkel, civil engineer, the companions of Andrée; -Lieutenant Svedenborg, assistant; and the engineer, Stake, to whom is -entrusted the erection and management of the gas apparatus. M. Fraenkel, -in the name of his mother, who conceived the idea of this delicate -attention, presented each member of the expedition with a souvenir. This -was a silver napkin ring, bearing on one side, in Swedish, SOUVENIR OF -THE POLAR EXPEDITION, 1897, and on the other, engraved in a shield, the -name of the recipient. - -The dinner, which was extremely well arranged, did credit to Lieutenant -Celsing, the steward of the ship; we had set before us the best of claret -and champagne, the greater part of which was supplied from presents sent -to the expedition. - -Captain Ehrensvärd, in the name of all the officers, wished us welcome, -and enthusiastic toasts were drunk in honour of Andrée and his -companions, and also to the success of their undertaking. The members of -the expedition were toasted, those engaged to be married in particular; -these last toasts concerned Strindberg and myself more especially. - -Andrée read several telegrams received at the time of the departure from -Gothenburg, which contained the last expressions of sympathy from distant -friends. - -The dinner went on amidst great gaiety. I felt delighted with the very -cordial attitude of my neighbours, who spoke French, as far as their -acquaintance with our language permitted, so as to enable me to join in -their conversation and follow what they said as far as possible. - -Notwithstanding the fog that surrounded us it was still daylight at 11 -p.m. After having partaken on the bridge of the traditional Swedish -punch, we all retired for the night. - -The next morning, May 21st, as the fog had not lifted, the captain gave -the order to leave the fjords and continue the voyage in the open sea. -Slowly we quitted our haven, the last narrow creek was cleared, and we -were soon scudding northwards at full speed, some miles from the shore. - -On May 22nd we returned to the route through the fjords, which were now -free from fog. We sighted Aalesund, an important fishing port. On the -outskirts of the port we saw on the beach several large square surfaces, -of a whitish colour, symmetrically arranged in wooden frames. These we -found were quantities of salted cod being dried in the open air. This -industry constitutes one of the greatest resources of the inhabitants of -these regions, who export the fish in large quantities to all parts of -Europe. - -In the evening we proceeded on our course in company with a Norwegian -mail-boat, which saluted the _Svensksund_ several times. The passengers -cheered Andrée lustily, thus testifying their interest in the expedition. - -Next day, at one o’clock, we passed Brono, a little Norwegian port -(latitude 65° 28´). At this point the passage between the two shores is -very narrow, and much care is required to avoid striking against the -rocks, that can be seen under the water; happily we had nothing to fear -with our officers, who acted with consummate skill. - -_May 24th._—A splendid morning, but in these parts snow must have fallen -the night before, for the banks were quite covered. The vegetation was -not so advanced here as in the districts we had passed, and there were -fewer trees. - -[Illustration: DANES ISLAND SEEN BY THE MIDNIGHT SUN.] - -We crossed the limit of the Arctic circle, and the event was celebrated -by drinking champagne. In the evening the sky became overcast, and a -fine, light rain began to fall; later on, at a few hours’ journey from -Tromsö, we had some heavy falls of snow, followed by gleams of sunshine, -which reminded me of our snowstorms in France. But on entering the port -of Tromsö there was a blinding fall of snow, and the _Svensksund_ had to -grope its way in, as it was impossible to see our course. At last, at 11 -p.m., we cast anchor, and received a visit from the harbour-master, who -brought us a voluminous packet of letters, telegrams, and newspapers. -I received news from France that gave me great pleasure. This was the -last port at which we should touch, as we were then going direct to -Spitzbergen, where we should receive no communications for several weeks. - -_May 25th._—The snow-fall continues. The inhabitants of Tromsö declared -that it was a favourable omen for Andrée, and augured well for his -success, for at the time of Nansen’s visit, in 1893, a great deal of snow -fell, which was a rare occurrence at that time of the year. - -We went through the town, and much admired a number of little villas -surrounded by clusters of trees, which reminded us of the sunny slopes of -Meudon. - -The town was very lively and very busy. Ladies and young girls, most -elegantly dressed, were walking about the streets, and also fishermen, -sailors, etc. We even met a cyclist. Where shall we find the limit of the -bicycle? I was astonished to see one in a country that has no practicable -roads and very few fine days. - -Below, on the sea, were docks built on piles; a little port where about -fifty fishing boats were lying. Further out was a mail-boat arriving from -Trondhjem. - -We visited the Museum, which contains all kinds of animals and birds -belonging to the polar regions, teams of reindeer, Esquimaux huts, arms, -and fishing tackle of the most remote periods. All the houses in Tromsö -are built of wood, and one wonders what would be left of the town if a -fire should ever break out. Every year tribes of Laplanders come from the -North to exchange goods with the traders; they bring chiefly skins of -reindeer, foxes, wolves, and white bears, and many articles made of bone -and reindeer’s horns, which are always carved with representations of -polar animals. - -Later on, on July 2nd, on our return from Spitzbergen, we had the -opportunity of visiting, at a few leagues from Tromsö, an encampment of -these interesting nomads. - -The excursion was organized and directed by our friend, Lieutenant -Norselius. The party consisted of Dr. Lembke, Lieutenant Svedenborg, the -engineer, Stake, and myself. Herr Aagaard, the brother of the Consul of -Tromsö, was kind enough to accompany us. As he knew a few words of the -Lapp language, he offered to act as interpreter. Some of the crew went -with us. - -I will not dwell here on the customs of these people, as they have -already been described in several works. The Laplanders are very friendly -and peaceably inclined towards strangers. - -In our honour they collected their reindeer together, a herd of 400 to -500, which were feeding on a mountain in the distance. A chief, who -was provided with a little telescope, used it skilfully to follow the -movements of this great herd, which was driven by only two children -and a few dogs. We saw these animals on a distant slope, all collected -together, and advancing towards us like a swarm of ants in motion. A -hill hid them from us for about half an hour; they then reappeared at a -distance of a few hundred yards, in the midst of a few scattered shrubs. -The herd approached; their horns, which are very large, kept interlacing, -freeing themselves, and then becoming entangled with the shrubs which -were shaken by the compact and moving mass. It seemed like a moving -forest. A fenced enclosure is set apart for the animals. When they had to -be driven into their pen, a Laplander approached the head of the herd, -caught one of the reindeer with the aid of a lasso, which he used as -skilfully as the hunters of the Pampas, and then pulled it in, ringing a -bell. - -The effect was then most curious. The attention of the rest of the herd -was attracted to the captive which they followed at a distance, step -by step, hesitating, and advancing as if under the influence of some -peculiar fascination. The whole herd was thus enticed into the enclosure, -the outlet of which was then shut. - -[Illustration: SHIPS AMONG THE ICE.] - -The captive reindeer which led the others in was then released, and great -excitement seemed to prevail amongst all the animals. About a dozen -of them got on to a little mound in the middle of the enclosure, and -remained there the prisoners of the others who kept walking round them. -This performance lasted for more than half an hour. In the meantime some -of the Laplanders, armed with lassos, caught some of the does in order -to milk them, and the whole herd was then set at liberty. The reindeer -dispersed into the thickets, quickly climbed the mountain, and soon -disappeared from view. We bought a few trifles from these people, who are -very honest in their dealings, and at the same time very business-like. -They lose no opportunity of doing a stroke of business; they even -demanded payment if they were photographed, and if this was refused, they -tried to screen themselves from our cameras. The instantaneous process -dismayed them very much. - -After having left the camp of the Laplanders, on our return to the -seashore, our curiosity was attracted by an enormous whale, which had -been brought to the beach to be cut up. This mammal, which was not less -than 70 feet long, had been killed a few days before in the Northern -Seas. - - - - -II - -Arrival at Spitzbergen - - -_May 26th._—We were waiting in the port of Tromsö for news of the -_Virgo_, which had left Gothenburg two days after us, on May 20th. - -The day before, the _Svensksund_ had laid in a stock of provisions and -coal. On the after-deck a large cage had been made for the reception of -some sheep. We also took a great many fowls on board, so that we should -be provided with fresh meat during our stay at Spitzbergen, as a change -from tinned provisions. - -As we had not received any news of the _Virgo_, we left Tromsö at 3 p.m. -to go and meet her at an appointed place. A splendid day cheered our -hearts, and most of the inhabitants of the town came running along the -quays, and cheered the _Svensksund_ as she departed. - -The captain then had a cask hoisted on to the top of the foremast, in -which the look-out man, who had orders to give notice of any passing -vessel amongst the floating ice, took up his station. - -After this had been done, warm clothes were distributed amongst the crew. -Each received large boots, a fur hood, gloves, etc. Our sailors seemed -quite delighted with their new outfit. - -At five o’clock we arrived at the appointed place, but the _Virgo_ was -not there. We accordingly took shelter in a bay whilst waiting for her. - -The next day, May 27th, having awoke at 3 o’clock in the morning, I went -on shore with Lieutenant Svedenborg. We went hunting over the mountains, -amidst boulders of rock and deep ravines. We saw very little vegetation; -a few scattered bushes of prickly shrubs, putting forth a few miserable -shoots; a great deal of moss and grass in the damp parts surrounding -the pools formed by the melting snow. Many springs swelled the streams, -which formed numerous waterfalls on their way down to the sea. We brought -down several birds, but lost some eiders, for these birds, when wounded -and pursued, dive to reappear no more. They hide their bodies from their -foe, perishing at the bottom of the sea by entangling themselves in the -seaweed. - -The _Virgo_ joined us at 2 p.m. Her captain came on board for -instructions. At 6 o’clock we weighed anchor, and set out for -Spitzbergen. Andrée hoped that we should get there quickly, and without -hindrance. The north north-east wind which had been blowing violently for -some days, would, he thought, drive away the floes of ice from the coast -of Greenland. - -For three days we were tormented by a strong north wind, which blew a -gale. The sea was very rough. I was ill, and could eat nothing for two -days—a victim to sea-sickness. However, I got up in the evening of May -30th. The vibrations of the vessel were then imperceptible to me. I was -surprised at first, and then pleased. I seemed to be waking from a bad -dream. - -Our boat rolled terribly, with sudden movements due to its flat -shape—movements which were all the more frequent owing to the waves being -very choppy in the northern seas. I could not, in spite of myself, help -thinking of the smooth and easy motion of our transatlantic liners, where -one is quite at one’s ease. - -I was astonished, on arriving on deck, to see the mountains that fringe -Spitzbergen, and to hear that in three hours we should reach Dansk-Gatt, -a strait between Dane’s Island and the Island of Amsterdam, to the -north-west of Spitzbergen, in latitude 79° 43´. - -The _Virgo_ followed us at some distance; she too rolled a great deal. -The wind was high and cold; some blocks of ice floated here and there, -but not many. By a fortunate circumstance the Arctic Ocean was quite -free. Andrée had predicted that it would be so, and he was pleased to see -that he would lose no time this year. Nevertheless, those who had never -visited these shores were somewhat deceived; they had expected to be -encountering icebergs, and meeting with unheard-of difficulties. In fact -they looked for something very different to ordinary voyages, something -which would keep constantly before their minds the fact that they were in -the Frozen Ocean. - -Our wishes were soon granted; the prevailing north-east wind had driven -the ice floes into the open sea; the ice round the coast, being sheltered -by the mountains, remained, and the entrance to the Dansk-Gatt was quite -blocked up. - -We had to slacken our speed; the vessels could only cut a passage -through, pushing before them blocks of scattered ice driven one against -another, and breaking with a loud report, terrifying the various polar -birds and disturbing the siesta of various seals, which quickly dive and -disappear behind other floes. - -I took some photographs, the success of which was doubtful, as it snowed -fast. Fortunately we were quite close to Virgo Bay, and after an hour of -slow, winding, and difficult progress, going round large masses of ice -that could not be driven aside, we perceived the balloon shed; it was -still standing! To the right was Pike House half-hidden by snow. - -We each provided ourselves with a telescope or field-glass. The shed -especially occupied our attention; it had suffered some damage, we -noticed an alteration in it, but at that distance it was impossible to -ascertain the extent of the injury. - -As we slowly approached the coast, we took soundings every minute, and -at last, at 6 p.m., the captain gave the order to stop. The anchors were -cast, as we should probably remain there some time; only about a hundred -yards separated us from the shore. - -[Illustration: THE BALLOON CASE IN THE ICE.] - -The _Virgo_, which should have followed us closely in order to profit -by the passage made by the _Svensksund_, remained some distance behind; -she seemed to be impeded by the ice and advanced very slowly. She pushed -along for another hour before casting her anchor. Less fortunate than we -were, her screw, which had neither the flexibility nor the resistance of -ours, had been sorely damaged by the ice. - -The various emotions produced by this eventful voyage and the keen air of -Spitzbergen had sharpened all our appetites. Lieutenant Celsing ordered -us a grand dinner, washed down with good wine and champagne, to celebrate -our arrival at Dane’s Island. I own that, for my part, I did justice to -it, after having been so severely tried by the sea. - -After dinner we went on shore. Our boat found a passage through the ice -after much groping and winding; we at last reached the shore, which was -edged with ice covered by a layer of snow, in which we sank half-way -up to our knees. After a rapid glance at Pike House, which we found -in good condition, we directed our steps towards the balloon shed -which interested us more. The poor shed, the base of which had partly -disappeared under the snow, had suffered greatly; it had been wrenched -round and seemed to lean towards the east. Last year the boarding of the -second floor had been left to strengthen it; several of these planks -had been broken or torn away by the wind, some had been carried to some -distance—we could see ends sticking up here and there in the snow. - -On the western side we discovered a split in a beam where it joined the -framework. It was this accident that had caused the wrenching of the -roof-timbers and occasioned the greater part of the damage. However, this -damage could be repaired, and Andrée, after his examination, expressed -great satisfaction with the work of Svedberg, the builder of this frail -edifice, which was not intended to withstand a winter, and must have -resisted great stress of wind and weather. It is true that last year, -before leaving Spitzbergen, Andrée had strengthened the shed as much as -his resources and the materials at his disposal allowed, as has been seen -by the foregoing account. - - - - -III - -Preparations at Dane’s Island - - -_May 31st._—The day after we arrived every one set to work. - -We first turned our attention to carpentering; with the aid of pulleys -and screw-jacks we succeeded in restoring to a certain extent the beams -of wood to the positions they had normally occupied, and they were then -fixed by steel guys. - -A detachment of sailors cleared away the snow, which in the shed was over -six feet deep. This work was rendered long and tedious by a thick layer -of ice under the snow, which had to be broken with the ice-pick; the snow -was taken away in sledges. - -There was a great deal to do, but our workmen were skilful and were -directed by experienced masters. Andrée did not leave the scene of -operations all day, and watched every detail attentively; in the evening -he was happy to inform us that the damage would be more easily repaired -than he had at first thought, and that in a fortnight the shed would be -ready to receive the balloon. - -_June 1st._—The work was resumed and carried on diligently. - -While the carpenters were busy repairing the shed, detachments of sailors -proceeded to unload the materials contained in each vessel. This last -operation was greatly hindered by the floating ice, which, under the -action of the wind, was continually changing its position, and sometimes -threatened to crush our little boats, which had to be hoisted on deck -when we were not using them. Then the wind, which had been north-east, -veered round to the east; it drove the ice in another direction, and -seemed to be trying to send it out of our way. Every now and then came -gusts of snow, but these did not stop the work. - -The temperature varied from 30 Fahr. to 35·6; that of the sea-water was -28·4 Fahr.; the wind alone seemed to cut our faces. - -[Illustration: LANDING THE CAR.] - -Not being able to take part in the work that was going on, I passed my -time as best I could. Pike House, the description of which has already -been given, was a curiosity which attracted my attention. I read the -visitors’ names inscribed on its walls; amongst them I was pleased to -find my uncle’s signature, and I yielded to the temptation of adding my -own. - -I spent the morning in transforming one of the rooms into a photographic -laboratory. - -The carrier pigeons of the expedition were placed in the attic which they -had occupied last year. - -Behind Pike House, buried under the snow, were the remains of the gas -apparatus. After clearing away the snow we found that the parts had not -suffered much, and that they could be used with the apparatus we had -brought. - -That evening, accompanied by Strindberg, Fraenkel, and Svedenborg, we -set out on an excursion over the snow and ice, along the east coast. We -went as far as the little Albert Island, which was still united to Dane’s -Island by ice. Strindberg, who is a very good shot, succeeded in killing -a seal, which we could not take with us for want of a boat; he returned -to the _Svensksund_ for a boat, but the distance was great, and the dead -seal soon sank. - -On returning to the vessel, we saw a fine silver fox, which was sniffing -along our tracks. He was out of the reach of our bullets, and, as soon -as he saw us, he ran off, greatly terrified by such unexpected visitors. -He stopped from time to time to turn round and make sure that he had not -been the victim of an illusion, and then went on his way more swiftly -still, and escaped to the mountains. - -On our return to Virgo Bay, it was difficult to reach the _Svensksund_; -the wind, which had gone round to the north a little while before, -had brought a good deal of ice. There were no longer any passages -sufficiently wide to allow a boat to be steered through them; we stepped -on to one mass of ice, and, by jumping from one to the other, we were -able to regain the vessel. - -_June 2nd._—The wind had changed again from north to east. The bay had -become cleared of a great portion of the ice with which it was filled a -few hours before. - -A little steam launch brought by the _Svensksund_ was then able to render -useful service. The unloading went on more quickly; we hastened on that -of the _Virgo_ especially, as she was to leave us directly afterwards, -carrying news of us to our friends. - -Strindberg was engaged in some photographic studies of the snow and ice; -I spent part of the day with him developing the plates. - -_June 3rd._—The sky was very clear at two o’clock in the morning; there -was not a cloud upon the horizon, and there was nothing to warn us that a -few hours later a strong north wind would bring us violent squalls laden -with snow, and at the same time bring back the ice that had been driven -away from us. This bad weather somewhat hindered the work during the -morning. After breakfast there was a little interlude at the expense of -a seal which had gone to sleep on a block of ice. It was more than 200 -yards from the ship, happily for itself, for ten guns or carbines were -levelled at it from the deck, and at the word of command from the captain -a volley saluted the new-comer, who immediately disappeared, having no -doubt formed a bad opinion of the human race. - -In the evening the captain and the first lieutenant of the _Virgo_ came -to dine with us. At this meal some bread was eaten called “French -bread,” supplied to the expedition by M. Schumacher, a Stockholm baker; -a large quantity of it was taken on board. This bread, sealed up -hermetically in light boxes of tinned copper, was in a perfect state of -preservation, although then a month old. - -_June 4th._—During the night we experienced a violent north-east wind, -which drove the ice into our bay, quite stopping the unloading of large -packages. By means of planks a road was formed on the ice, and all the -light packages were carried on the men’s backs. - -This violent wind, however, rendered us real service, and did a great -deal towards the repairing of the shed; it quite restored to their places -the roof-timbers, and they were soon fixed in their places by guys, and -at the same time the planks were replaced so as to increase the solidity -of the structure. - -_June 5th._—The weather was very fine; the thermometer showed 37·4 Fahr. - -[Illustration: VIEW OF THE APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN GAS FOR THE -BALLOON.] - -Strindberg made the ascent of a neighbouring hill situated to the -west of the place occupied by our ship. At the summit, 656 feet above -the sea-level, he fixed a mast, on which was placed an apparatus for -observing the direction of the wind. This ingenious instrument consists -of a vane carrying with it in its movements a horizontal disc divided -into eight equal sectors. On the outer circumference, at the points of -division, are fixed vertically the figures from 1 to 8, cut into plates -of copper. The diameter 1-5 falls in the vertical plane of the vane, -and figure 5 always faces the wind. It is easy by means of a compass to -determine the direction from any point from which we can read the figures -of the disc. It is sufficient to observe the angle that is made with the -magnetic meridian by the visual radius, going to the number facing you, -and to deduce from it by a very simple calculation the angle of the line -1-5, _i.e._, the angle of the direction of the wind with the north. For -instance, supposing we are to the east of the post of observation, and -number 3 is facing us, number 5, which always faces the wind, will be at -the north, the point from which the wind comes. Every day the explorers, -by turns, every four hours, made meteorological observations. All the -instruments were examined, and the results carefully noted. Strindberg -set up a tent on the shore, where he spent several hours a day taking -magnetic observations. - -Work was suspended during June 6th and 7th for the Whitsuntide holidays. - -Every one sought for some amusement to pass the time; some of the sailors -found one, which was somewhat rough. They ascended a hill covered with -snow situated behind the shed; on arriving at the summit they slid down, -toboggan fashion, from a height of 656 feet, each trying to make a record -speed. This game was not without its comic side; often one of the men -lost his position, rolling over and over to the bottom; fortunately in -the snow there was no danger. - -On June 8th all the little colony went back to work; the weather was -fine, with a north wind that piled up the ice round the ships. The -greater number of light packages were, however, unloaded, but there was -still heavy luggage which could not be moved. - -On June 9th one of the gas generators was taken off, a large wooden -tank lined with lead, which had to be handled with care, its own weight -rendering it fragile. After it had been let down into a boat, a passage -was with difficulty cut for it through the ice to the shore. - -The next day other parts of the gas apparatus, no less bulky, were taken -off the _Virgo_; the difficulties attending their unloading were still -greater than before. Armed with ice-picks, some of the sailors tried to -break up the smaller pieces; others, provided with saws made specially -for the purpose, attacked enormous masses. The boat advanced very slowly, -but this extra work involved an expenditure of precious time. - -At last by the evening of that day all the parts of the gas apparatus -were landed. The engineer, Stake, assisted by the mechanics, proceeded -to fix it up. Before this could be done, it was necessary to clear away -an enormous quantity of snow which occupied the space allotted to this -installation, and which, when swept in a circle round it, formed a -regular enclosure, a temporary fortification. - -_June 11th._—Strindberg and Fraenkel turned their attention to the -carrier pigeons, and, with the aid of india-rubber wafers, fixed -to the wing and tail feathers several labels bearing the following -inscriptions:— - - “ANDRÉE.” - - _Aftonbladet._ - - “STOCKHOLM.” - -The pigeons, moreover, were numbered consecutively; their destination was -the office of the _Aftonbladet_, and they came from a dove-cot situated -at Maréchamm, belonging to M. Uno Godenhejlm, formerly a post-master. - -I gave myself up on this day to the study of a sport which is quite -Scandinavian, the “ski” (snow-shoes); Strindberg kindly gave me both -theoretical and practical lessons. After many tumbles on snowy slopes, -my course of instruction was completed; I only needed practice. This -agreeable mode of locomotion is very useful for making long journeys over -the snow. - -[Illustration: PLACING A GENERATOR.] - -I employed part of the day in making a fox-trap, consisting simply of a -box closed on one side by a metal grating, and on the other by a sliding -door. This latter would close automatically when the animal touched it, a -bird fastened to the bottom of the cage serving as a bait. In the evening -I tried the sledges which were to be taken in the balloon. I harnessed -myself to one of them, and took my trap half a league away to the hills, -where I set it so as to be able to observe it from the _Svensksund_, -whence I could see by means of a telescope when the door of the cage was -shut. - -I had not long to wait; the next morning the cage was closed. I went up -to the mountain, and soon perceived through the grating of the cage a -cunning little head and two bright eyes, which were attentively watching -all my movements. - -The prisoner was a young fox; there were several species of them at -Spitzbergen. We had already seen three kinds: one was a fine glossy -black, another silvery white, and a third had yellow and brown spots. The -little captive belonged to this last category. Seeing himself discovered, -my fox darted against the grating, growling at my approach and showing -his pretty little sharp teeth. With many precautions, putting my hands -through the bars of the cage, I succeeded in muzzling him and in tying -his paws together with cords. Having thus made it impossible for him to -do any harm, I led him over the snow to Pike House, where my arrival with -my prisoner at the end of a long string excited much curiosity and caused -considerable mirth. - -I hoped to take this young fox back to France. He was put in a cage, -where he received many visits from persons interested; one of the latter -not having closed the door with sufficient care, the Spitzbergen fox, -in no way inferior to those of our own country in point of cunning, -succeeded in opening it and recovered his liberty. He was even seen to -pause ironically for a few moments in front of the balloon shed, where -the changes that had been made seemed to interest him. - - - - -IV - -The Landing and Preparation of the Balloon—The Inflation - - -_June 12th._—Two weeks had elapsed since our arrival at Dane’s Island. -The work connected with the shed had been pressed forward, and as Andrée -had announced, the shed was ready to receive the balloon. A large -canvas tent, made in eight equal sections, was fixed over its entire -circumference half-way up the shed; it was drawn up in the centre by -the aid of pulleys connected with the top of the building. We were thus -comfortably sheltered from snow or rain whilst getting the balloon ready. - -The unloading of the _Virgo_ was finished, and the ship was ready to -start as soon as the ice should disperse. We went on board to drink -coffee and take a parting glass of punch. - -_June 13th._—On Sunday we had arranged to take a trip with the steam -launch, but it was impossible to leave our prison; the north wind, which -had blown with more violence during the last few days, had brought -us enormous blocks of ice, detached from the ice-field and from the -glaciers. Strindberg and I took several photographs of the floating ice, -which occupied our whole day. - -The _Virgo_ still a prisoner. - -_June 14th._—We could not wait any longer and lose the advantage of our -hard work; the case containing the balloon had to be landed. - -This enormous package, weighing no less than 4,409 lbs., was pretty -easily let down from the ship on to a boat; the great difficulty was to -get it on land, although the distance to be traversed scarcely exceeded a -hundred and twenty yards. - -The streams left between the ice were too narrow, and sometimes they were -even completely blocked up. - -Lieutenant Norselius, at the head of a band of picked men, directed -the operations. The picks and saws did their work, widening the narrow -streams into which the boat was pushed along the cleared space, until a -fresh obstacle was encountered. It was a real wall of ice with which -we had to deal now; ice-picks and saws were powerless to open a path. -Lieutenant Norselius thought of an ingenious plan, which he at once put -into execution. With the aid of a dynamite cartridge carefully laid, he -succeeded in breaking into small pieces this portion of the ice-field; it -was then easy to part the pieces of ice, and the boat slowly advanced, -but the surrounding pieces, which had been held back by the larger mass, -drew together, and the boat was caught between them and then lifted up; -the case leant over on one side and threatened to fall over. Some of the -sailors hung on to the other side, trying to restore its equilibrium, -whilst others pulled or pushed the boat, which was still blocked up. The -case was tied with cables, one end of which was connected with the ship -and the other with the shore, then the whole party harnessed themselves -to a third rope, trying by their united efforts to start the boat. At -last we felt it move; it was a moment of anxiety for us all; then it -glided unchecked over the ice into an open space, once more narrowly -escaping being capsized with its burden. Happily some of the sailors -had time to hang on to the end of a long pole laid across the top of the -case, and with the help of the cables, equilibrium was preserved. - -Our fears then dispersed, all serious obstacles were surmounted, and the -rest of the work was easy. A few more hours of toil and patience, and -after a whole day’s labour the balloon was at length landed. - -Every one was glad to see her in safety after the dangers she has passed -through. Andrée warmly thanked Lieutenant Norselius for the zeal and -skill he had displayed in this difficult operation. - -_June 15th._—The balloon case, which had been left on the bank on the -previous evening, had now to be conveyed to the shed erected a few yards -higher up. The first part of the distance was soon covered, as the case -is dragged over greased timbers laid down in the snow; the remainder of -the journey was rendered difficult by the huge stones by which the route -is obstructed. These difficulties, however, were as nothing compared -with those of last night, and the case was soon got below the shed, and -afterwards hoisted on to the flooring. - -[Illustration: THE GAS APPARATUS.] - -A few hours later the balloon was stretched and the folds spread out. -It was in perfect condition; the apertures were closed up with discs -consisting of wood, or with false valves; it was then partially inflated -with air with a very simple inflator designed by Andrée, but the process -was a very lengthy one, as the inflator was very feeble. - -_June 16th._—I spent the day inside the balloon, where, with the help of -ten seamen, I put another coat of varnish on the seams. - -The _Virgo_, which has been waiting four days in her prison of ice, can -at last start to-day; in fact, her time is up, for she must be at Tromsö -before the 20th of June, otherwise Andrée will have to pay a heavy fine -for every day’s delay. - -It took two days to re-varnish the seams. On the 18th of June all the air -in the balloon was let out so as to prepare for the inflation by gas; the -net is again placed over it, and the valves inserted. The inflating tubes -are brought under the floor of the shed and connected with the nozzle -through an opening made in the centre of the floor. The inflation by gas -began at seven on the morning of the 19th of June. - -Stake, the engineer, is superintending the manufacture of the hydrogen. -It is produced by the action of sulphuric acid diluted with water on -iron. The acid, the strength of which is 60°, is brought in iron drums, -each containing 220 lbs. We have 176,369 lbs. of it, and 66,138 lbs. -would suffice to inflate the balloon. - -The gas apparatus was constructed at Stockholm from well-known designs. -The acid is raised, by means of a hand pump, into a mixing tank “C,” made -to hold 2,817 pints, and meanwhile water is introduced which reduces the -contents to a solution representing about 16°. - -The acidulated compound passes thence into two lead-lined generators “G,” -containing the iron, which is dropped in as required through a hopper -placed half-way up, and closed with a hydraulic joint. The iron shavings -put into the outside part of this hopper are pushed down, thus forcing -the shavings in the inner part into the generator. Each generator is -closed by a lid with a hydraulic joint. The apparatus is freed from the -mud deposited at the bottom by means of a self-closing cock. - -The hydrogen produced by this reaction passes into a purifier “L,” filled -with coke, and provided with a tapering grate; through this grate the -gas makes its way into the washing compartment, and passes through the -column of coke in which is circulating the water that falls from the rose -attached to the top. - -[Illustration: SKETCH OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HYDROGEN GAS-PRODUCING -APPARATUS.] - -The overflow runs away through a pipe at “U” at the bottom of the -apparatus. A steam-pump feeds the purifier and the mixing tank with -sea-water, which, by the way, is quite suitable for this process. - -On leaving the purifier the hydrogen traverses a chamber “H,” from which -two tubes lead to the dryers “S”; these dryers consist of rectangular -boxes containing purifying materials and quicklime laid on a grating near -the bottom. - -Before being conveyed into the balloon the gas thus prepared passes -through two testing chambers “E,” each of which contains a thermometer, -a hygrometer, and some litmus-paper; glass sight-holes are provided to -facilitate inspection. - -Pressure gauges fixed in various positions show the pressure of the gas -current. - -This voluminous apparatus is capable of producing 5,297 to 7,000 cubic -feet of gas per hour, but Andrée will not allow the output to exceed -2,118 cubic feet per hour, his object being to secure a gas which has had -ample time for proper washing and purifying. - -_June 20th._—During the first twenty-four hours about 42,379 cubic feet -of gas were generated. - -Andrée and Fraenkel are busy to-day superintending the inflation of -the balloon; the rest are preparing for a trip northwards with the -steam-barge commanded by Lieutenant Norselius. - -[Illustration: GETTING THE BALLOON CASE ASHORE.] - -They propose reaching Red Bay, to the N.E. of Spitzbergen, near 80° -parallel. - -We left Virgo Bay at nine in the morning, and steered to the north along -the coast of Smeerenburg. As we went along the guns brought down several -birds. At one o’clock we were at Red Bay, which was one immense ice plain -reaching up to the islands at the entrance to the bay. It was on one of -these islands, not shown in any polar chart, that we landed and scared -away a flock of eiders and a fox which was lying in ambush for them. - -From our position we commanded a full view of the entire expanse of the -gulf. - -Here nature presents a wilder aspect than we have ever seen her under. -The bay opens out towards the north. - -East and west the bay is flanked with lofty mountains whose summits are -lost in the fog; wide fissures afford shelter to enormous numbers of -birds of various species, who build their nests at different altitudes. -Some perch on the sharp edges of the rock, while others describe huge -curves or shoot along after the manner of birds of prey. We noticed some -wild geese, some goelands, the “king of the algæ,” the auk, and others, -all filling the air with sharp piercing cries, deafening one with their -fiendish concert. - -About six and a half miles to the south, and forming the background to -the gulf, a gigantic glacier, indented with crevices, rises like a mighty -wall. The glacier is lit by a few rays of the sun filtering through a -curtain of fog, and reflects them in tints of blue. - -We take a long look at this great pale-looking expanse imperceptibly -gliding towards the sea, impelled by a slow and mysterious force, while -from it huge ice tracts are always breaking away and crashing down with a -roar that seems like an earthquake. - -It would be interesting to make the tour of Red Bay, but we are short of -time, and we ought to be provided with snow-shoes to carry us over the -snow which covers the ice. We saw in the snow very recent footprints of -bears, but we vainly searched the horizon with our glasses. Bruin was -invisible. - -After a frugal repast on a rock in the open air, we made ready for our -return. A cold, chilling fog settled down on the sea and enveloped us for -two hours. We were very anxious to get back on board the _Svensksund_ to -warm ourselves once more, for we had not brought any warm clothing. - -_June 21st and 22nd._—The inflation of the balloon still progressing. As -it fills we re-varnish the outside seams. - -Meantime, Andrée is preparing and fitting out the car, adjusting the -suspension ring and the rope attachments. On the other hand, Strindberg, -Fraenkel and Svedenborg are busy coating the guide-ropes with a compound -of grease and vaseline. - -To save time in the work to be done when starting, the carpenters are -demolishing the upper portion of the shed on the north side, as Andrée -thinks this useless. - - - - -V - -Amusements at Spitzbergen—Testing the Gas-Tightness of the -Balloon—Arrival of the Vessels _Express_ and _Lofoten_ - - -The inflation of the balloon was completed on the 22nd of June at -midnight. The dome can be seen above the shed; our balloon is now only -awaiting a suitable moment for launching forth into space. - -Next morning two Swedish flags float triumphantly over the shed. But -before a start can be made, many minor matters still remain to be -attended to, small details which always take up a very long time, and -to-day work was stopped at noon. In compliance with Swedish custom we -have been celebrating the eve of the feast of St. John, one of the most -important Scandinavian festivals. - -Time hangs heavily during these days of rest. Amusements are rare, and -but little varied at Spitzbergen. The sailors themselves are compelled to -forego one of their favourite sports; the snow on the mountains having -partly melted, has laid bare large sharp-edged stones, among which it -would be dangerous to practise tobogganing. However, they have found -another amusement. On the summit of a neighbouring mountain rising up -almost in a peak, which they succeed in climbing, they displace enormous -pieces of rock, and these roll down dragging with them an avalanche of -stone, accompanied by prolonged and deafening sounds which are re-echoed, -like the rolling of thunder; and thus do our sailors amuse themselves. - -We are no less limited than the sailors in our choice of amusements in -these deserted regions, far away from all that makes life seem worth -living. We are longing for our nearest and dearest; it is now a month -since we became exiles. - -Absorbed by vague thoughts, my looks mechanically tend towards the open -sea, hoping to descry a sail coming to call on us and bring us news from -home. But the horizon is bare, except that here and there a few icebergs -are floating on the waves. - -All around us, mountains, barren rocks, snow, and glaciers; no vegetation -to gladden our sight, nothing but a few varieties of moss bearing tiny -white, violet, and yellow flowers; the yellow ones, larger than the rest, -resemble very much the butter-cups, with which our meadows are dotted -in spring. The flora is excessively poor in these icy regions. What a -contrast to the luxuriant vegetation of Brazil, the rich and prolific -nature of which country I was admiring three years ago, being then -engaged on a mission on behalf of the Brazilian Military Authorities! - -[Illustration: ON THE TOP OF THE BALLOON.] - -In order to overcome the melancholy which seems to come over me to-night, -I am glad to start with Fraenkel on a boating excursion. We take some -provisions with us, and at nine o’clock we set off hap-hazard, in -glorious sunshine. We shoot some birds, chiefly eider-geese. Near the -Albert Isle, in the Smeerenburg, a group of seals, disporting themselves -on the ice, attracts our attention. It is impossible to get near them by -water; we therefore alight and drag our boat up on to the ice. But the -wary animals plunge under as soon as we approach. It is no use waiting -for them over their holes, as the seal will travel a long way under -water, in order to re-emerge some hundreds of yards away from the place -where it dives. It then proceeds to make a fresh hole; with its breath -alone, emitted and inhaled repeatedly, it can pierce masses of this ice, -measuring at least a yard in thickness. - -Not far from the place where the seals disappeared, there is an opening -free from ice; we decide, at all events, to wait some minutes on the -brink of this pond. Two of the seals appear, and are at once greeted by -us with bullets; the water is dyed red with blood over a large expanse, -but the two animals, though wounded in the head, have strength enough -left to dive under the ice, there to die. - -Baffled in this attempt, we return to our boat and continue our trip -in the Smeerenburg in a south-easterly direction; we wish to reach the -glaciers haunted by bears, but a thick fog surprises us on our way and -stops our progress. We have no compass; in order to get back and avoid -losing ourselves in the fog we are obliged to follow the coast-line, -which considerably increases the distance to be covered. Objects are -beginning to assume fantastic forms in the fog. At one part of the coast -which I know perfectly well, having roamed over it several times, a -rock of from sixteen to nineteen feet high appears to us a mountain of -respectable dimensions; further on, the ice round the coast is about -six feet above the water, and this looks to us like a colossal glacier; -then we come across some eider-geese, which animals seem to assume awful -dimensions, appearing to us about thirty-two feet high. Finally, becoming -more and more subject to these curious effects of optical illusion, -taking small blocks of ice for enormous icebergs, we imagine we can -identify a walrus in a moving mass which appears to be the size of a -small whale: we approach the animal, whose true nature we recognise when -its size still appears to be thirteen or sixteen feet—it is a small bird -of the size of a pigeon. - -After several hours of a dispiriting journey made in the damp and -penetrating cold, tossed to and fro by the waves, which have become very -rough, while the water, lashed by a contrary wind, is constantly dashing -in our faces, we arrive near Virgo Bay at the very moment when the fog -commences to clear, and with it these phantasmagoric effects gradually -disappear. - -We feel as if we had awakened from a hideous nightmare, and are glad to -see the sun once more, shedding its warm rays upon us. - -We return on board the _Svensksund_ at 6 a.m., after roaming about on the -sea for nine hours, and just at the time when all on board are waking up. - -We celebrate St. John’s day as far as we can under the circumstances; at -night a copious dinner is served, and we are much astonished at seeing -such a variety of dishes set before us, although more than a month has -elapsed since we last renewed supplies; this is a surprise reserved for -us by Lieut. Celsing, who acts as steward on board our craft. - -_June 25th._—A most pleasant awakening: a sailor puts into my hands a -parcel of letters and journals—news from France. None but they who have -had the experience of being separated from their nearest and dearest, far -from their native land, in a dull and desolate region like Spitzbergen, -can ever know the joy experienced when a chance mail unexpectedly brings -news from those one holds most dear. - -I eagerly scan the letters and journals before troubling myself about -ascertaining the name of the vessel which brought them. I then learn -that it is a little sloop, the _Express_, chartered at Tromsö by three -German tourists, Messrs. Th. Lerner, Dr. Fr. Violet, and G. Meisenbach, -who have come to Spitzbergen for a few weeks. The small steamer has been -severely tried during her passage by a storm which swept away two of her -boats; she leaves to-night for the north, for Mossel Bay, where there is -a “refuge” containing a store of provisions and boats intended for the -shipwrecked; our tourists will find boats there to replace those they -have lost. - -_June 26th._—Stake, the engineer, spent yesterday in preparing wide -strips of light material which, after being impregnated with acetate -of lead, are blackened at those parts which come in contact with the -sulphuretted hydrogen gas. - -Placed on the seams of the balloon, these strips enabled us to perceive -the slightest traces of an escape of gas. But the practical application -of this method was difficult and required some care. For getting on to -the balloon, the extremities of a horizontal cable crossing the shed -transversely were fixed to the two highest poles at the top; a pulley -supporting a double rope was passed over the cable; we placed one leg on -the loop and slid through space to the balloon. When we wished to return, -two men drew back the pulley by means of a pulley-tackle. Some sailors -found it a quicker and more satisfactory plan to descend by the meshes of -the net. - -Eight and sometimes ten of us were at work on the dome of the inflated -balloon, and we had to perform compulsory gymnastic feats in order to -support ourselves amidst the cordage of the net. - -The sailors, being accustomed to this kind of exercise, climbed about the -balloon quite at their ease; but I must confess that at first I had a -slight feeling of dizziness; this, however, soon passed off. - -It was a curious sight to see so many men on this silken envelope, which -is the only barrier to the gas. The fact is unprecedented in the history -of balloons. - -If the work that we were engaged upon was long and difficult, the result -was no less satisfactory. We found in this manner some very slight -escapes of gas, which were at once carefully stopped. - -_June 27th, Sunday._—We received a visit from a Norwegian vessel, the -_Lofoten_, commanded by Captain Sverdrup, ex-captain of the _Fram_, who -accompanied Dr. Nansen on his recent expedition to the Polar regions. - -Among the passengers on board this vessel were Mr. Stadling, one of the -members of the Andrée expedition last year, and already known to the -reader. He will remain with us henceforth, but there being no room on -board the _Svensksund_, Stadling will take up his residence at Pike House. - -The little sloop _Express_ was returning from its voyage northwards to -Mossel Bay; three steamers had met in Virgo Bay, and gave the place an -aspect of cheerfulness and animation rarely observed there. - -The _Lofoten_, which had started from Hammerfest on the 23rd of June, -brought us some letters and papers. Unhappily some of the Swedish -journals contained the sad news of the death of Baron Dickson, the -generous Mæcenas of M. Andrée, who, on the eve of our departure from -Gothenburg, invited all the members of the expedition, and was most -profuse in his words of encouragement to the bold explorers. - -We take this opportunity of testifying our respect for the great man, the -philanthropist, the _savant_, snatched away from his friends before he -had seen the achievement of the grand work with which he had associated -his name. - -Let us offer to his memory the tribute of our respectful admiration and -gratitude. - - - - -VI - -The Last Preparations—Anticipations - - -_June 28th._—The balloon had now been inflated for more than five days; -it had undergone a loss of gas which may be approximately estimated at -5,297 to 5,956 cubic feet, or a mean loss of 1,059 to 1,236 cubic feet -every twenty-four hours. When the tests which we were making, and which -were to be continued as far as the equator of the balloon, should be -concluded, it would have become still more air-tight, and the balloon -would then be in excellent condition. - -The _Lofoten_ left us this morning at six o’clock, firing off four -salutes from her guns, and with reiterated cheering. From the top of the -balloon I watched the evolutions of the graceful vessel as she described -a parabola round the _Svensksund_; her flags were raised and lowered, and -then the _Lofoten_ rapidly glided away. - -[Illustration: THE INFLATED BALLOON IN ITS SHED, THE NORTHERN PART OF -WHICH HAS BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ITS DEPARTURE.] - -The work of looking for escapes was concluded on this day. - -The cover for protecting the balloon from snow and rain was placed over -the dome. - -Andrée has finished adjusting the hoop to the car; the systems of -pulleys, tackle, rigging attachments, etc., had all been most carefully -prepared. - -_June 29th._—The hoop was then disconnected in order to be fastened to -the rigging of the net. This operation being effected, we fixed on this -hoop, horizontally, a bamboo pole; to this mast the sails, which already -hung from the ropes, were to be fixed. A system of pulleys and tackle was -arranged to effect the various manipulations required between the car and -the hoop. - -The three guide-ropes, weighing 1,984 lbs., were stretched from the shore -to the hoop, and also eight other cables, each 76 yards long and weighing -together 881 lbs. These latter, together with the guide-ropes, serve to -prevent the balloon from coming too close to the earth, giving the effect -of throwing out ballast to the extent of 881 lbs. more than the weight -of the guide-ropes before the car could touch the ground. Under these -conditions, the balloon will always keep its centre of gravity, even -when exposed to a storm. The above-mentioned eight ropes serve another -important purpose: they can be used to lengthen the guide-ropes in case -it should be necessary to sacrifice those parts that fix into the ground -at any time during the journey. Andrée can get rid of the lower part -of the guide-ropes by a screw locked by a spring which connects this -part with the rest of the hoop; a turn given from the top of the car is -sufficient to start the spring and the screw. A second method consists of -a dynamite explosive. This last method is preferable, for, in this case, -only the part connected with the ground is lost. - -The storing of the car was almost finished. A number of articles of all -kinds were placed in it: scientific instruments, compasses, sextants, -telescopes; photographic appliances and accessories; pharmaceutical -preparations; culinary articles, lamps and electric batteries, arms, -ammunition, etc., etc.; no space but what is utilised or is set apart for -some particular purpose, and still a large space is left for a bed and -some furs. - -The provisions for the expedition were unpacked and exhibited in one of -the rooms of Pike House. As was the case last year, they consisted of -preserved foods and wines of all kinds. Dr. Lembke superintended their -storage. They were packed in labelled pockets made of strong material, -joined together and laid one over another so as to form one long bag; -thirty-six similar bags containing 1,663 lbs. of food were attached to -the top of the hoop by thirty-six suspending ropes. - -Andrée is taking enough for four months only. He thinks this is -sufficient, and that, if he should have to winter upon the ice, their -arms will give them the opportunity of laying in a fresh stock of -provisions. Pointing to his cartridges, he said, smiling, “There is some -concentrated food.” - -The various provisions left behind were carefully stored in Pike House; -there was a great deal, enough to feed a large party for a whole year. - -Twelve remaining ropes were hung with sledges, snow-shoes, a boat formed -of a wooden framework that can be taken to pieces, and covered with a -double covering of water-proofed material of the same nature as the -envelope of the balloon. This very light boat measured six yards in -length; it was a marvel of skilful construction. - -Every one was surprised to see the quantity of things that could be -stowed away in the rigging, without causing any confusion, and arranged -over the platform of the hoop, within reach. - -On the hoop itself, a number of articles were placed: picks, shovels, -hatchets, anchors, a little windlass, buoys, etc. All these articles are -of bronze or copper; the hatchets have a steel blade, set in copper. -Andrée takes with him twelve despatch buoys, each consisting of a sphere -of cork 7⅘ inches in diameter coated with a thick coat of paint, partly -blue and partly yellow, and protected by a network of copper wire. At -the bottom the buoy is weighted by a cone filled with lead, which gives -it the appearance of a top; at the upper portion is a copper stopper -inscribed with the words “Andrée’s Polar Expedition, 1896,” and a number. -This stopper closes a cavity cut in the cork to receive a tube, in which -will be enclosed documents or messages from the explorers. The buoy is -surmounted by a spiral spring of copper supporting a little Swedish flag -of thin metal. - -The buoys will be thrown out at different points of the voyage of the -balloon. A thirteenth, larger than the others, will be left at that point -of the route that shall be the nearest to the geographical pole that can -be reached by the balloon. - -_July 1st._—We then proceeded to estimate the ascending power of the -balloon. It was calculated that it could carry 3,747 lbs. of ballast, -including that part of the cordage intended to be used as ballast, and -that it could keep up for a minimum period of thirty to thirty-five -days. This period could be extended in case of need, by sacrificing the -sails and other parts that had become useless, the car if necessary, and -part of the guide-ropes, as the explorers could still take refuge on the -hoop, to which was attached all their provisions and necessaries. In this -manner nearly 1,763 lbs. of supplementary ballast could be obtained, -which would increase the length of the voyage by twenty days. - -The aeronauts could thus remain in the air for more than fifty days, -and at the same time keep their food and the necessary apparatus and -cordage. Thus their departure would take place under most promising -conditions. - -As to the point of landing, the chances seem to point most to Siberia, -which offers a very large extent of land; next in order of probability -comes Alaska, in North America. Andrée did not think that the balloon -could be drawn towards Greenland, with its gigantic glaciers attaining -to such great altitudes, as the surrounding lower strata of air cool -rapidly by contact with this boundless frozen mass, and currents would be -formed there that would radiate in all directions. Only the currents of -the upper atmosphere would approach these regions; but the Andrée balloon -always travels close to the earth, which is, moreover, another point in -favour of its longevity. We need not fear, therefore, that the explorers -will be lost in the glaciers of Greenland. - -[Illustration: THE MEMBERS OF THE EXPEDITION.] - -Variable winds may drive the balloon for several days over the ice-field -and over the ocean, before it can meet with a spot favourable to its -descent. We have already seen that it could keep up for more than fifty -days; therefore, unless any serious accident or unforeseen delay occurs, -there is every reason to hope that before this time the aeronauts will -have set foot on some hospitable ground. If, owing to some unforeseen -cause, they should be obliged to descend on the ice-field, they would -have to return in the same way as Dr. Nansen. - -He, after leaving his ship, the _Fram_, in company with Lieutenant -Johannsen, remained for fifteen months on the ice-field with only three -months’ provisions. - -Andrée took with him thirty-two carrier pigeons. We expect that some -will return to Dane’s Island, where they have stayed for more than a -month, and that they will bring us news of our friends. But we fear that -these messengers will never return to Sweden; from Spitzbergen alone, -they would have to travel a distance of nearly 1,637 miles in order to -find their dove-cot. Those set free at the Pole would therefore have to -travel more than 2,188 miles, and over the greater part of the journey -they would find neither shelter nor food. Such great distances have -never before, to my knowledge, been traversed by carrier pigeons, and, -probably, those belonging to the expedition will not leave the balloon -where they are lodged and fed, or if they do leave it, it will be to lose -themselves in the Arctic regions and there perish miserably. - -Andrée told us, therefore, not to be uneasy if we received no news of him -for a year, as he might descend at a spot from which communication with -other countries would be difficult, which would oblige him to winter with -the Lapps or Esquimaux, or in an uninhabited part, where he would be left -to his own resources, and he would then not be able to return till the -following year. - - - - -VII - -Before the Departure—Waiting for the South Wind - - -_June 30th._—Andrée called us together to discuss the methods to be -employed for starting his balloon. One great difficulty was, how to get -the balloon out of its enclosure without the silk running the risk of -being damaged by the wood of the shed. - -Every one gave his opinion, and from all the suggestions put forward, the -following conclusions were drawn:— - -(1) All projecting parts of the shed against which the balloon might be -injured should be covered with a thick pad of felt, in order to prevent -any accident to the silk. - -(2) The balloon, at its equator, should be protected by wide straps, -which should be attached to the south side of the shed, so as to prevent -it rolling against the mooring posts under the action of the wind. - -(3) The south side of the shed should be closed as high as possible, and -the highest floor should be provided with canvas to add to the height of -the shelter; the canvas should be stretched out only at the last moment. - -(4) For starting, the balloon should be held firmly to the ground by -three cables attached to the hoop. It should be allowed to ascend to -a sufficient height to allow of the car being placed in position, and -then we should only have to free the balloon from its straps and cut the -cables, in order to set it at liberty. - -Orders were then given to put into immediate execution the operations -decided upon. - -The carpenters at once proceeded to the supports of the shed and padded -all the projecting parts inside, whilst the sailors hastened to prepare -the straps and the required canvas. - -The polar balloon was soon ready to be launched into the air. Only the -final operations remained to be carried out: the south side of the -structure would have to be demolished, but this would not take long. -Andrée having already had two floors demolished, only one remained to -be removed; the ground floor, as it was not in the way, would be left to -support the structure. - -The placing of the car in position would only take a few minutes. - -For the next few days we waited for the favourable wind. - -Since our arrival at Spitzbergen, north winds had been blowing -continuously. We had had no breeze from the south worth mentioning; -the direction of the wind had always varied within the west-north-east -sector. Andrée augured favourably from this; he hoped, and was even -persuaded, that this state of affairs could not last much longer, that a -change would soon take place in the atmosphere of the Arctic regions, and -that south winds would prevail in their turn. - -These days of waiting were very dull and monotonous. Idleness made us -depressed; we sought for distractions. At meal-times, when all the -members of the large family were assembled together, cheerfulness was -restored, and, on the slightest excuse, we did not fail to give little -entertainments, sometimes original and comic, which gave us all pleasure. - -In Sweden, birthdays are always celebrated with great rejoicings, the -person interested receiving presents, congratulations, etc. July 1st was -the birthday of Dr. Lembke, a very genial and agreeable companion, on -whom we had conferred, since our arrival at Dane’s Island, the title of -“King of Spitzbergen,” on account of his corpulence and great stature. - -[Illustration: ON THE BRIDGE OF THE _SVENSKSUND_: MESSRS. FRAENKEL, -ANDRÉE, SVEDENBORG, AND STRINDBERG.] - -We were all racking our brains to think of a present to offer His -Majesty; but this was very difficult at Spitzbergen, where resources -were necessarily limited. Nevertheless, we made our preparations, and -in the morning, before our doctor was awake, each one brought his -offering. Strindberg’s was a royal crown made out of a piece of silk -gas tubing, the upper part of which he had fashioned most artistically; -Fraenkel’s, a balloon of gold-beater’s skin, inflated with hydrogen, -ornamented with long streamers of gay colours; the engineer Stake’s, -a box of handkerchiefs cut out of the bands of stuff used to test the -impermeability of the balloon; another brought some eiders’ eggs bearing -humorous inscriptions; lastly, boxes of chocolate, biscuits, bonbons, -fruit, etc., etc., and a bouquet composed of mosses and white and violet -flowers, representing all the flora of the region. - -At table, the doctor’s place was decorated with a large garland of -different mosses, on which were laid raisins, almonds, oranges, etc. - -The offering of the gifts was a very interesting little ceremony; each -gift, more or less original, was received with good-humoured hilarity. -And, in the evening, the champagne flowed merrily to emphasize our good -wishes to the “King of Spitzbergen,” whose fund of amusing and funny -stories seemed inexhaustible, but who asked to be allowed to resign his -crown in order to pass his life more cheerfully and simply amongst his -own people. - -_July 5th._—Since our arrival at Dane’s Island, after the first three or -four days we had neither rain nor snow. The temperature, which varied -very little, had always kept a few degrees above freezing point; a -pleasant warmth was felt in the sun, when we were sheltered from the wind. - -On this day, the change foretold by Andrée seemed to be coming, and for -the first time since our arrival it rained, and the wind blew from the -south-east. - -_July 6th._—The south wind at last, so long awaited, so ardently -desired! It blew a gale. The rain had ceased; heavy clouds were passing -northwards; a few hours would be sufficient to take the explorers to -their destination. - -Andrée devoted himself to meteorological observations while the first -preparations were being made. The gas apparatus was set going at once to -fill up the balloon. - -Soon everything was ready; they were only waiting for Andrée’s orders -to demolish the shed. He, absorbed by his observations, was meditating -and seemed undecided. He kept going from one instrument to another, -taking the direction of the wind from various points, comparing this -direction with that of the clouds: it seemed difficult to him to come to -a decision. The barometer had fallen too rapidly. Certainly the start -would have to be made during a barometric depression, but we expected it -to be slow and gradual. At last, after two hours’ observations, Andrée -came slowly back to us to tell us the result of his researches. In a -calm, firm voice, he said he should not start that day, because the -wind, then very favourable, would not last long. He was very vexed, but -he hoped that before long there would be other currents of air, more -stable and more favourable. Nevertheless, he said when once the 15th -of July was past, he would start on the first opportunity, even if the -atmospheric conditions were only moderately favourable; but now he feared -to compromise the success of the expedition by a premature departure. - -It will be seen that Andrée combined great prudence with his scientific -experience; moreover, his predictions proved correct. The next day, the -south wind was succeeded by a north wind, and we still waited. - -_July 9th._—Bad weather, rain and a west wind. A Norwegian sailing vessel -took refuge in our bay. It was returning from the ice-field, where the -crew had been hunting seals, and had killed more than 700. The sailors -were engaged in cutting up the animals; the skins were salted and the fat -stored in barrels to be melted down. - -_July 10th._—The bad weather continued, with cold fogs and rain. - -The _Lofoten_ visited us for the second time with more tourists. Amongst -them, I was pleased to meet some friends of our family: M. and Mme. H. -Vieillard, and two other French travellers, M. Obermeyer, editor of the -_Figaro_, and his wife. I much regretted not having time to say much -to my fellow-countrymen. The _Lofoten_ is engaged in a regular service -between Hammerfest and Advent Bay; she had little time to spare, having -extended her trip to come to Dane’s Island, and could not stop more than -an hour in Virgo Bay. - -In the evening the sky cleared, the rain ceased, and a strong wind blew -from the south-west. The barometer, which had been falling for two days, -still continued to do so slowly. We now had a chance of a wind favourable -to our expedition. - - - - -VIII - -The Departure - - -_Sunday, July 11th._—A decided south wind! Would it last this time, or -would it again prove a delusion? - -Andrée and his companions consulted for some time the various instruments -from each post of observation. The atmospheric conditions seemed -favourable. - -Together with Andrée, we went to the top of the shed to examine carefully -the work that had been done, and to arrange about the preparations for -starting. The wind was very violent. The wooden structure trembled under -our feet; I feared sometimes that it would be blown down, and the balloon -destroyed. But this apparently light structure was really very solidly -built, of which fact it had furnished excellent proofs. Moreover, it was -sheltered by a hill 329 feet high. - -After having enumerated the various operations to be performed, Andrée -returned to his observations for a few minutes. The result was -favourable. The direction of the wind seemed quite settled; but he -did not give the order to start. This time he dared not take the sole -responsibility of this decision, so he consulted his fellow-travellers. -It was a very delicate question for the members staying behind, -Svedenborg and myself, to decide; the decision rested rather with those -directly interested. Strindberg and Fraenkel wished to start at once, -and besides, what were we waiting for? Time was passing, the season was -advancing; therefore, the sooner, the better. - -Andrée did not express his opinion; it was not necessary, we guessed it. -He was burning to set out for the conquest of the Pole; and he only said, -“The departure is decided upon.” - -We returned on board the _Svensksund_, where the sailors in uniform, -and in the presence of the officers, were attending a short religious -service, after having been reviewed as usual on Sunday. - -As soon as the decision was known, Captain Ehrensvärd gave orders for the -whole crew to resume their working clothes immediately. - -[Illustration: K. FRAENKEL.] - -Two Norwegian sailing vessels, returning from the north, entered the bay, -and made ready to cast anchor opposite the shed. Signals were exchanged, -to ask them to take up a different position, so as to leave a free -passage for the Andrée balloon, which would start in a few hours. - -The workers are ready, and are being taken ashore by the boats. - -The carpenters and a detachment of sailors go quickly up into the shed, -and demolish the northern portion with surprising rapidity. - -It is 11 o’clock in the morning. Andrée is standing before the shed, -observing everything. His orders follow one another, brief and rapid; his -voice resounds, rendered still stronger by a speaking trumpet. Nothing is -heard but the crackling of the wood as it is broken away, and the wooden -beams as they come crashing to the ground. A detachment of men clear away -the rubbish as it falls. - -On the south side, at the top of the shed, sailors are stretching the -canvas between the masts, thus increasing by 13 feet the height of the -roof. - -Everywhere is feverish activity; the preparations go on rapidly. - -We now turn our attention to the balloon, which slowly rises, as the bags -of ballast are slowly let down from mesh to mesh until they stop at the -hoop. - -The wind becomes more and more violent. Puffs reach the balloon, which -sways greatly from side to side; the equatorial straps support it well, -and restrain its movements. - -The cords are then arranged which work the valves and the rending flap. -These delicate parts require constant inspection during these last -operations, in order to prevent their working badly. Stadling hangs over -the circle, on to a horizontal rope, a series of baskets in which were -the carrier pigeons. This preliminary part of the preparations being -concluded, the ballast bags are withdrawn until the balloon is properly -balanced. The hoop remains firmly held to the ground by three cables long -enough to enable it to rise sufficiently high for the car to be fixed in -position. The rest of the ballast bags are collected into three groups, -hung to the hoop by three ropes. - -The car, which, with all its contents, weighs nearly 1,102 lbs., is -brought under. It is slipped into its place, and quickly fastened to the -hoop by the six cables supporting it. - -Andrée walks round the balloon and round the shed, giving a last glance -at every detail, satisfying himself that everything is ready and in good -working order. - -The solemn hour has arrived. - -Strindberg, who has always been a great friend of mine, as we have a -mutual sympathy with one another, begs me to send his _fiancée_ proofs of -the last photographs that I shall succeed in developing, and which would -interest her. He shows great emotion while speaking to me; it is not fear -of the perils that he is about to face, but other sentiments that are -agitating him at this moment. It is easy for me to guess what they are. - -When will he see again that charming Swedish girl, whose photograph which -he has so often shown me, and carries next his heart? - -How many days, how many months, will she be anxiously waiting, and -receiving no news? - -What anxiety, what suspense, await that poor young girl? - -But what joy will follow the glorious return of her beloved! What -firm bonds of affection will bind them together after this long, hard -separation! - -Oh! how I wish them this happiness with all my heart! - -Greatly affected myself, I shake convulsively the hand of my friend, -who is leaving all that he holds dearest in the world for the glorious -accomplishment of a scientific enterprise, and with a final clasp I -promise him once again that his wish will be a sacred duty to me! - -He gives me a last letter for his _fiancée_; then, controlling the -emotion which was overcoming him, he rejoins Andrée and Fraenkel, who are -also taking leave of their friends. - -[Illustration: VIEW OF THE BALLOON TAKEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER ITS -DEPARTURE.] - -Andrée is thanking all the members of the expedition for the help they -have rendered him in his enterprise. He gives the captain several -telegrams written in haste at the last minute; one, addressed to the King -of Sweden, is worded thus:— - - “SPITZBERGEN, _July 11th_, 2.25 p.m. - - “At the moment of their departure, the members of the - expedition to the North Pole beg Your Majesty to accept their - very humble salutations, and the assurance of their deepest - gratitude. - - “ANDRÉE.” - -Another telegram, addressed to the _Aftonbladet_, Stockholm, said:— - - “In accordance with our decision previously arrived at, we - commenced on Sunday, at 10.45, the preparations for our ascent, - and at this moment, 2.30 p.m., we are ready to start. - - “We shall probably be driven in a north-north-easterly - direction. We hope gradually to reach regions where the winds - will be more favourable to us. - - “In the name of all our comrades, I send our warmest regards to - our friends, and to our country! - - “ANDRÉE.” - -The last farewells are brief and touching; few words are exchanged, but -hearty handclasps between those whose hearts are in sympathy say more -than words. - -Suddenly Andrée snatches himself away from the embraces of his friends, -and takes his place on the wicker bridge of the car, from whence he calls -in a firm voice:— - -“Strindberg,—Fraenkel,—let us go!” - -His two companions at once take their places beside him. They are all -three armed with a knife for cutting the ropes supporting the groups of -ballast bags. - -This being done, Captain Ehrensvärd and Lieutenants Norselius and Celsing -give their sailors orders which are at once put into execution. - -The equatorial straps fall at one stroke. - -The balloon, freed from this restraint, moves slightly; it quits the -state of torpor in which it seemed to be plunged; it now seems to have -come to life, and, notwithstanding its shelter, it rolls greatly on its -lower moorings, from which it tries to free itself. - -We wait a few seconds, in order to seize a moment of calm, before the -order is given to start. - -Three of the most adroit sailors, armed with knives, hold themselves in -readiness, at a given signal, to cut the three cables by which alone the -balloon is now held captive. - -The entire crew of the _Svensksund_ are present, and also the crews of -the three Norwegian whaling vessels anchored in Virgo Bay. - -There is profound silence at this minute; we only hear the whistling -of the wind through the woodwork of the shed, and the flapping of the -canvas, which hangs over the upper part of the south side. - -Amongst the cordage of the car are seen the three heroes, standing -admirably cool and calm. - -Andrée is always calm, cold, and impassible. Not a trace of emotion is -visible on his countenance; nothing but an expression of firm resolution -and an indomitable will. - -He is just the man for such an enterprise; and he is well seconded by his -two companions. - -At length the decisive moment arrives. - -“One! Two! Cut!” cries Andrée in Swedish. - -The three sailors obey the order simultaneously, and in one second the -aerial ship, free and unfettered, rises majestically into space, saluted -with our heartiest cheers. - -We rush to the doors to get out of the shed. I have the chance of getting -out first through a secret opening I have made in the woodwork, so as to -be able to rush to my photographic apparatus and have time to take a few -snapshots at this stupendous moment. - -Being encumbered with the heavy cordage that it takes with it, the -balloon does not rise to a height of 328 feet. - -It is dragged by the wind. - -Behind the mountain that is sheltering us stormy winds are raging, and a -current of air sweeps down from the summit and attacks the balloon, which -for a moment descends rapidly towards the sea. This incident, which we -had foreseen before the departure, but the natural cause of which struck -few of the spectators at the moment, produces great excitement amongst -some of us. The sailors rush to the boats to be ready to lend assistance -to the explorers, whom they expect to see engulfed in the waves. Their -alarm was of short duration; the descending movement soon becomes slower, -and the car just touches the water and ascends again immediately. - -Unfortunately, the lower parts of the guide-ropes, which were made so as -to become detached if they should be caught in the ground, have remained -on the shore. At the start the ropes were caught in some rocks on the -shore, and the screws for separating the parts worked. But Andrée is well -provided against this loss, so that this accident is not likely to have -serious consequences. - -At the edge of the water, on the beach studded with rocks and large -stones, we all stand, breathlessly watching the various phases, rapidly -following one upon another, of the commencement of this stirring and -unprecedented aerial journey. - -The balloon, which has now righted itself at about 164 feet above the -sea, is rapidly speeding away; the guide-ropes glide over the water, -making a very perceptible wake, which is visible from its starting point, -like the track made by a ship. The state of affairs seems to us on the -shore to be the best that could be hoped for. We exchange last signals of -farewell with our friends; hats and handkerchiefs are waved frantically. - -Soon we can no longer distinguish the aeronauts; but we can see that they -are arranging their sails, as these latter are displayed in succession -on their bamboo mast; then we observe a change of direction. The -balloon is now travelling straight to the north; it goes along swiftly, -notwithstanding the resistance that must be offered by the dragging -ropes; we estimate its speed at from 18 to 22 miles an hour. If it keeps -up this initial speed and the same direction, it will reach the Pole in -less than two days. - -The aerial globe seems now no bigger than an egg. On the horizon an -obstacle appears in the route; this is the continuation of a chain of -mountains about 328 feet high right in the path of the balloon, which -seems very close to the obstacle, and some of the sailors round me, who -have never before seen a balloon start on its trip, seem in great terror; -they think the balloon will be hopelessly wrecked. I reassure them, -telling them that the balloon is still far away from the hills, which -will be easily surmounted, without there even being any necessity to -throw out ballast. - -The balloon travels on, maintained at the same altitude by the -guide-ropes. In the neighbourhood of the hills there is an upward current -of air; the balloon will follow this; it would only risk striking against -the obstacle if the movement were downwards, which is not the case. -Moreover, the guide-ropes first rest upon the rocks and thus lighten the -balloon, which gradually rises. - -We see it clear the top of the hill, and stand out clearly for a few -minutes against the blue sky, and then slowly disappear from our view -behind the hill. - -Scattered along the shore, we stand motionless, with hearts full, and -anxious eyes, gazing at the silent horizon. - -For one moment then, between two hills, we perceive a grey speck over the -sea, very, very far away, and then it finally disappears. - -The way to the Pole is clear, no more obstacles to encounter; the sea, -the ice-field, and the Unknown! - -We look at one another for a moment, stupefied. Instinctively we draw -together without saying a word. There is nothing, nothing whatever in -the distance to tell us where our friends are; they are now shrouded in -mystery. - -“Farewell! Farewell! Our most fervent prayers go with you. May God help -you! Honour and glory to your names!” - - ALEXIS MACHURON. - - - - -The Last Message from Andrée - - -The following message from Andrée shows the progress made by the hardy -explorer. We reproduce it in facsimile. - -[Illustration] - -(1)—_The Andrée Polar Expedition to the “Aftonbladet” Stockholm._ - -_July 13th, 12.30 p.m., 82°2´ north latitude, 15°5´ east longitude. Good -journey eastwards, 10° south. All goes well on board. This is the third -message sent by pigeon._ - - ANDRÉE. - -Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London. - - - - -The Pupils of Peter the Great - - -A History of the Russian Court and Empire from 1697 to 1740 - -By R. NISBET BAIN - -Author of “Gustavus III. and His Contemporaries,” “Charles XII.” “Hans -Christian Andersen: A Biography” - -WITH PHOTOGRAVURE FRONTISPIECE AND PORTRAITS - -_Demy 8vo, 318 pp. Price 15s. net._ - -_OPINIONS OF THE PRESS:_ - -“LIGHT ON A LYCEUM PLAY.” - -“Mr. Nisbet Bain’s new volume about the makers of Russia could not have -appeared at a time more opportune for the attraction of popular interest -than the moment when Sir Henry Irving has taken it upon him to interpret -for us, on the stage of the Lyceum, the character of Peter the Great. His -familiarity with the history and politics of Northern Europe in the last -century renders him peculiarly fitted for the task of presenting us with -a picture of the Russian Court and Empire up to the death of the Empress -Anne.”—_Daily Chronicle._ - -“Mr. Bain has here put together from authentic sources an interesting and -useful book. Without attempting the picturesque, he has written a book -that attracts the reader; his judgment is sound, he is unprejudiced and -tolerant, and he understands the strange world that he is depicting. His -portraits have the great merit of fidelity, and he has a good knowledge -of contemporary European politics.”—_Manchester Guardian._ - -“An excellent piece of historical study, founded entirely on original -research, sober, broad, and sympathetic in treatment, with a fine sense -of historical proportion, and most illuminating as respects the light it -throws on a dark and ill-known time and country.”—_Spectator._ - -“A lucid and masterly sketch of the slow development of the modern -Russian State between the year 1697 and 1740.”—_Daily News._ - -“Mr. Nisbet Bain is, without question, the best informed student of -Northern history who now writes for the British Public, and the volume -before us will add to his reputation.”—_Manchester Courier._ - - WESTMINSTER - - Archibald Constable and Co - 2 WHITEHALL GARDENS - 1898 - - - - -ANNOUNCEMENTS - - -The Life of Sir Charles Tilston Bright - -By EDWARD BRAILSTON BRIGHT, C.E., AND CHARLES BRIGHT, C.E., F.R.S.E. - -With many Illustrations, Portraits, and Maps. 2 vols. - -_Demy 8vo, £3 3s. net. (£2 2s. net to subscribers before publication.)_ - - * * * * * - -Debateable Claims - -A Series of Essays on Secondary Education - -By JOHN CHARLES TARVER, AUTHOR OF “SOME OBSERVATIONS OF A FOSTER PARENT.” -_Crown 8vo, 6s._ - - * * * * * - -Dante’s Ten Heavens - -A Study in the Paradiso - -By EDMUND GARDNER. - -_Demy 8vo._ - - * * * * * - -A French View of English Contemporary Art - -By E. DE LA SIZERANNE. Translated by H. M. POYNTER. - -_Crown 8vo._ - - * * * * * - -Highland Dress and Ornament - -By LORD ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL. - -_Demy 8vo._ - - * * * * * - -Andrée and his Balloon - -By HENRI LACHAMBRE and ALEXIS MACHURON - -With coloured Frontispiece and 40 full-page plates. - -_Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -This volume contains an accurate account of the making and equipping of -Mr. Andrée’s balloon, and a detailed account of the first attempt made -in 1896, when, owing to the bad weather, Andrée and his two companions -could not start, and a detailed and authoritative account of the final -preparation and start for the famous flight into the Unknown. - -The volume is fully illustrated, and contains a short biography of Andrée. - -The two authors accompanied the Expedition to Spitzbergen, the one author -in 1896, and the other in July, 1897. - -The volume is of very great general interest, containing as it does -the only authoritative account of the expedition up to date, and is -of special value to all interested in ballooning, as the authors are -acknowledged experts. - -This work is being published simultaneously in four different languages. - - * * * * * - -The Kingdom of the Yellow Robe - -By ERNEST YOUNG. - -Fully Illustrated by E. A. NORBURY, R.C.A., and from Photographs. - -_Demy 8vo._ - - * * * * * - -Constable’s “Hand Gazetteer of India” - -Uniform with Constable’s “Hand Atlas of India.” - - * * * * * - -A BOOK OF - -Travels and Life in Ashantee - -By R. AUSTIN FREEMAN, F.R.G.S. - -Fully Illustrated, from drawings by the Author, and from Photographs. 2 -Maps. - -_Demy 8vo._ - - * * * * * - -A Northern Highway of the Czar - -By AUBYN TREVOR BATTYE, Author of “Ice-bound on Kolguev.” - -_Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -The dedication of this volume has been graciously accepted by His Majesty -the Czar of Russia. - - * * * * * - -Our Troubles in Poona and the Deccan - -By ARTHUR TRAVERS CRAWFORD, C.M.G., late Commissioner of Poona. - -_Fully Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 14s._ - -Few of the troubles we have had in India from time to time have assumed -so serious an aspect as the recent disturbances in Poona; but the extreme -alarmist view taken by the press at home and the public utterances of -certain ill-informed “globe-trotters” have had a mischievous effect in -confusing the mind of the British Public as to the rights and wrongs -of the case. The Author of this book, having a large experience of the -districts affected, has written this work in order to make the situation -clear. - - * * * * * - -Two Native Narratives of the Mutiny in Delhi - -TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINALS BY THE LATE CHARLES THEOPHILUS METCALFE, -C.S.I. (Bengal Civil Service). - -_Demy 8vo, with large Map. Just Ready._ - -These two narratives are a unique and interesting contribution to the -literature of the Indian Mutiny—inasmuch as they are the only ones from a -purely native source. - -One is the diary, kept daily throughout the Siege of Delhi in 1857 by -Munshi Jeewan Lall. This man, who was an official in the employ of -the Governor General’s Agent in Delhi, was all along loyal to us, and -remained, till his death, an honoured servant of the British Government. -He gave the original diary to the translator on the occasion of the -Imperial Assemblage at Delhi in 1877. The other narrative is by an -educated native nobleman—Nawab Mainodin Hassan Khan. He threw in his lot -with the rebels, and had eventually to fly, with a price on his head. -After some years of exile he returned to India, stood his trial, and was -acquitted of complicity in murder, and pardoned for his share in the -fighting. This result was brought about mainly through the influence of -Sir T. Metcalfe, whose life he had saved during the Siege. The Nawab -subsequently drew up the narrative from materials in his possession, -and gave it in the original to the translator. Mr. Metcalfe having died -before the papers were ready for publication, they are now edited and -brought out by his widow. - - * * * * * - -Constable’s Hand Atlas of India - -A NEW SERIES OF SIXTY MAPS AND PLANS PREPARED FROM ORDNANCE AND OTHER -SURVEYS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF J. G. 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THE CHINAMAN ABROAD AND AT HOME (_continued_). - Gambling—Typhoons—The floating population of - Hong-kong—North branch of the Pearl River. - - ” IV. CANTON AND KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE. - Tea—Foreign Hongs and Houses—Schroffing. - - ” V. CANTON (_continued_). - Its general appearance—Its population—Streets—Mode of - transacting business—Signboards—Work and Wages—The - willow-pattern bridge—Juilin, Governor-General - of the two Kwang—Clan fights—Hak-kas—The mystic - pills—Dwellings of the poor—The Lohang-tang—Buddhist - monastic life—On board a junk. - - ” VI. CANTON (_continued_). MACAO. SWATOW. CHAO-CHOW-FU—AMOY. - The charitable institutions of - China—Macao—Description of the - town—Its inhabitants—Swatow—Foreign - settlement—Chao-chow-fu—Swatow - fan-painters—Modellers—Chinese art—Village - warfare—Amoy—The native quarter—Abodes of the - poor—Infanticide—Manure-pits—Human remains in - jars—Lekin—Romantic scenery—Ku-lang-su—The foreign - settlement. - - ” VII. FORMOSA. - Takow harbour, Formosa—La-mah-kai—Difficulties - of navigation—Tai-wan-fu—The Taotai—His - yamen—How to cancel a state debt—The Dutch in - 1661—Sylvan lanes—Medical Missions—A journey to - the interior—Old watercourses—Broken land—Hak-ka - settlers—Poahbe—Pepohoan village—Baksa - valley—The name ”Isla Formosa“—A long march—The - central mountains—Bamboo Bridges—”Pau-ah-liau“ - village—The physician at work—Ka-san-po village—A - wine-feast—interior of a hut—Pepohoan dwellings—A - savage dance—Savage hunting-grounds—La-lung - village—Return journey. - - ” VIII. FOOCHOW AND THE RIVER MIN. - The Japanese in Formosa—Cause of the invasion—The - River Min—Foochow Arsenal—Chinese gunboats—Foochow - city and great bridge—A City of the dead—Its - inhabitants—Beggars—Thieves—Lepers—Ku-shan - Monastery—The hermit—Tea plantation on Paeling - hills—Voyage up the Min—Shui-kow—An up-country - farm—Captain Sheng and his spouse—Yen-ping - city—Sacrificing to the dead—Shooting the Yen-ping - rapids—A Native passenger-boat. - - ” IX. SHANGHAI. NINPO. HANKOW. THE YANGTSZE. - Steam traffic in the China Sea—In the wake - of a typhoon—Shanghai—Notes of its early - history—Japanese raids—Shanghai foreign - settlement—Paul Sü, or ”Su-kwang-ki“—Shanghai - city—Ningpo—Native soldiers—Snowy valley—The - Mountains—Azaleas—The monastery of the Snowy - Crevice—The thousand-fathom precipice—Buddhist - Monks—The Yangtsze, Kiang—Hankow—The Upper Yangtsze, - Ichang—The Gorges—The great Tsing-tan rapid—Mystic - fountain lights—A dangerous disaster—Kwei-fu—Our - return—Kiukiang—Nanking; its arsenal—The death of - Tsing-kwo-fan—Chinese superstition. - - ” X. CHEFOO. PEKIN. TIENTSIN. THE GREAT WALL. - The foreign settlement—The Yellow River—Silk—Its - production—Taku forts—The Peiho River—Chinese - progress—Floods in Pei-chil-li—Their - effects—Tientsin—The Sisters’ chapel—Condition of - the people—A midnight storm—Tung-Chow—Peking—The - Tartar and Chinese divisions of the metropolis—Its - roads, shops and people—The foreign hotel—Temple - and domestic architecture—The Tsungli - Yamen—Prince Kung and the high officers of the - empire—Literary championship—The Confucian - Temple—The Observatory—Ancient Chinese - instruments—Yang’s house—Habits of the ladies—Peking - enamelling—Yuen-Ming-Yuen—Remarkable cenotaph—A - Chinese army—Li-Hung-Chang—The inn of ”Patriotic - Perfection“—The Great Wall—The Ming tombs. - - * * * * * - -Problems of the Far East - -JAPAN—COREA—CHINA - -By the RT. HON. GEORGE N. 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The reprint is in three small and compact volumes, and should -be welcome to students of history as giving an important work in a -convenient form.”—_Scotsman._ - -“One of the monuments of English historical scholarship that needs no -commendation.”—_Manchester Guardian._ - - - - -POETRY - - -Selected Poems - -By GEORGE MEREDITH - -_Crown 8vo. 6s._ - -“A volume which abounds in imaginative vision as well as intellectual -strength.”—_Standard._ - -“His poems are achievements of the intellect ... there is wit in them and -genius.”—_Scotsman._ - -“We hope that a large public will wake up to the high and serious -beauties and the real genius of Mr. Meredith’s finest poetry.”—_St. -James’s Gazette._ - -“These Selected Poems are a literary store.”—_Scotsman._ - - * * * * * - -Songs of Love and Empire - -By E. NESBIT - -_Now Ready. 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Cloth gilt, 6s. net._ - -“Altogether the most complete, the most sympathetic, and the most -penetrating estimate of Walt Whitman that has yet been written.”—_Daily -Mail._ - - * * * * * - -Fidelis and Other Poems - -By C. M. GEMMER - -_Foolscap 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. net._ - -“It has undeniable beauty, and it would have been a pity if this and some -of the shorter poems included in the same collection had not seen the -light. Distinction of tone, careful craftsmanship, and a rich vocabulary -characterise most of them.”—_Manchester Guardian._ - -“Touched with a dainty grace is “Baby-Land.” ... “A Reverie” -in whose tender pathos and stately movement we find an abiding -charm.”—_Literature._ - - * * * * * - -A Tale of Boccaccio and Other Poems - -By ARTHUR COLES ARMSTRONG. - -_Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 5s. net._ - - * * * * * - -The Cyclists’ Pocket Book - -For the year 1898. - -FULL OF INFORMATION. - -_Cloth boards, 1s. 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Can highly recommend it to our readers.”—_The -Irish Cyclist._ - -“The most useful pocket book for cyclists we have yet seen.”—_Westminster -Gazette._ - -“Should be read and digested by all riders ... very useful, a valuable -handbook, and one long wanted.”—_Land and Water._ - -“Cyclists will pronounce it to be in its way a gem ... appears complete -in every respect.”—_Scotsman._ - -“A wonderfully compact and handy volume—a mass of useful information ... -quite a novelty.“—_Daily Mail._ - -“Neatly arranged ... a handy little volume.”—_The Field._ - -“The telegraphic code ... a very valuable feature.”—_England._ - - * * * * * - -The Art and Pastime of Cycling - -By R. J. MECREDY AND A. J. WILSON - -With Numerous Illustrations. _Paper, 1s.; cloth, 1s. 6d._ - -“A very useful and well-compiled guide to cycling.”—_Wheeling._ - -“The treatise is written in simple language, and its directions are -clearly expressed.”—_Sporting Life._ - -“Will be of great value both to beginners and devotees of the -wheel.”—_Whitehall Review._ - - * * * * * - -“The Game of Polo” - -By T. F. DALE (_“Stoneclink” of “The Field”_) - -Fully Illustrated - -_Demy 8vo One Guinea net_ - -“A handsome volume.... The author, ‘Stoneclink,’ of _The Field_, is one -of the recognised authorities of the sport, and what he does not know -about it is not knowledge.”—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - -“A book which is likely to rank as the standard work on the -subject.”—_Morning Post._ - -“The author writes in a pleasant, spirited style, and may be taken as an -admirable guide. A really charming addition to the library of those who -are devoted to the game.”—_The Globe._ - - * * * * * - -[Illustration] - -New Popular Edition - -OF THE - -Works of George Meredith - -_Crown 8vo_, 6/- each - -With Frontispieces by BERNARD PARTRIDGE, HARRISON MILLER and Others. - - The Ordeal of Richard Feverel [_Ready._ - Rhoda Fleming [_Ready._ - Sandra Belloni [_Ready._ - Vittoria [_Ready._ - Diana of the Crossways [_Ready._ - The Egoist [_Just Ready._ - Evan Harrington - The Adventures of Harry Richmond - Beauchamp’s Career - One of Our Conquerors - Lord Ormont and His Aminta - The Amazing Marriage - The Shaving of Shagpat - The Tragic Comedians - Short Stories - Poems - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Andrée and his Balloon, by -Henri Lachambre and Alexis Machuron - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON *** - -***** This file should be named 63603-0.txt or 63603-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/6/0/63603/ - -Produced by Peter Becker and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Andrée and his Balloon - -Author: Henri Lachambre - Alexis Machuron - -Release Date: November 2, 2020 [EBook #63603] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON *** - - - - -Produced by Peter Becker and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[i]</span></p> - -<h1>ANDRÉE AND<br /> -HIS BALLOON</h1> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus1"> -<img src="images/illus1.jpg" width="700" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE DEPARTURE OF THE BALLOON.</p> -<p class="caption">Copyright Archibald Constable & Co.</p> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage larger">ANDRÉE AND HIS<br /> -BALLOON</p> - -<p class="titlepage">By HENRI LACHAMBRE<br /> -and ALEXIS MACHURON</p> - -<p class="titlepage smaller">WITH COLOURED FRONTISPIECE AND<br /> -FORTY-FOUR FULL-PAGE<br /> -ILLUSTRATIONS FROM<br /> -PHOTOGRAPHS</p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="gothic">Westminster</span><br /> -ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE & CO.<br /> -1898</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage smaller"><span class="smcap">Butler & Tanner,<br /> -The Selwood Printing Works,<br /> -Frome, and London.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">TO A. S. ANDRÉE</p> - -<p class="titlepage">A FERVENT BELIEVER IN THE<br /> -AËRIAL CONQUEST OF THE NORTH<br /> -POLE WE DEDICATE THIS BOOK</p> - -<p class="titlepage">H. LACHAMBRE<br /> -A. MACHURON</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span></p> - -<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> - -</div> - -<table summary="List of illustrations"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdpg smaller">PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Departure of the Balloon, 11th of July, 1897</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus1"><i>Frontispiece,<br />in Colours</i></a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Salomon Auguste Andrée</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus2">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">View of the Lower Part of the Balloon</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus3">21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Valves for Working the Balloon</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus4">27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Balloon in the 96 feet Gallery of the Champ de Mars Exhibition</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus5">35</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Start of the “Virgo” from Gothenburg, 7th of June, 1896</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus6">41</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Staff-Officers of the Expedition</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus7">47</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The First Floating Icebergs</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus8">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dane’s Island and the Pike House</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus9">63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dansk-Gatt</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus10">69</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Arrival of a Generator</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus11">77</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Arrival of a Gas Generator</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus12">83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The “Express”, the “Erline Jarl”, the “Virgo”, Departure of the “Victoria”</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus13">91</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dane’s Island</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus14">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Smeerenburg Glaciers</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus15">103</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The “Virgo”. Amsterdam Island</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus16">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Arrival of the Car</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus17">115</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">An Excursion to Magdaleina Bay</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus18">123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Solar Observations at Magdaleina Bay</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus19">129</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The “Virgo” decked for the 14th of July Fête</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus20">135</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_viii"></a>[viii]</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Strindberg</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus21">141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Cupola of the Balloon (top of the Shed)</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus22">147</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Balloon in the Shed during its Deflation</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus23">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Shed and the Balloon Case</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus24">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Swedish Gunboat “Svensksund”</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus25">169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">A Laplanders’ Camp</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus26">175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">A Whale</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus27">181</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Departure for a Hunting Expedition</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus28">189</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">On the Icebergs</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus29">195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Dane’s Island seen by the Midnight Sun</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus30">203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Ships among the Ice</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus31">209</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Balloon Case in the Ice</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus32">217</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Landing the Car</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus33">223</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">View of the Apparatus for producing Hydrogen Gas for the Balloon</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus34">229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Placing a Generator</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus35">235</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Gas Apparatus</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus36">243</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Sketch of the Construction of the Hydrogen Gas-Producing Apparatus</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus37">247</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Getting the Balloon Case Ashore</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus38">249</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">On the Top of the Balloon</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus39">257</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Inflated Balloon in its Shed, the Northern Part of which has been removed in order to facilitate its Departure</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus40">267</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">The Members of the Expedition</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus41">275</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">On the Bridge of the “Svensksund,” Messrs. Fraenkel, Andrée, Svedenborg and Strindberg</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus42">283</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">K. Fraenkel</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus43">291</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">View of the Balloon taken immediately after its Departure</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus44">297</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Facsimile of Andrée’s Last Message</span></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus45">304</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<hr /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;" id="illus2"> -<img src="images/illus2.jpg" width="500" height="700" alt="" /> -<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Andrée</span></p> -<p class="caption">SALOMON AUGUSTE ANDRÉE.</p> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Introduction</h2> - -</div> - -<p>On the afternoon of Sunday, the 11th of -July, 1897, the balloon <i>Ornen</i> left the -port of Virgo, Spitzbergen, carrying in its car -Messrs. Andrée, Strindberg, and Fraenkel, the -bold explorers, starting for the conquest of the -North Pole.</p> - -<p>All the papers of the day were immediately -filled with discussions in various strains, pessimistic -or favourable comments and prognostications, -articles full of hope or criticism,—each, -in short, looking upon this extraordinary expedition -from its own point of view.</p> - -<p>The first part of this bold enterprise is -accomplished, and now we are confronted with -the terrible question: Where are they?</p> - -<p>The comments took their usual course. -However, towards the middle of August we -heard that one of the carrier pigeons belonging -to Andrée’s expedition had been killed, on the -22nd of July, by one of the seamen of the -fishing boat <i>Alken</i>, between the Spitzbergen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> -North Cape and the Seven Isles, in about 80° -N. Lat. This pigeon carried a message, which -was confirmed, more than a month later, when -the whaler <i>Alken</i> returned to Hammerfest; it -was couched in the following terms:—</p> - -<p>“<i>13th July</i>, 12.30 <i>p.m.</i>, 82.2° <i>N. L.</i>, 15.5° -<i>E. Long.</i> Good progress towards the north. -All goes well on board. This message is the -third brought by a pigeon.—<span class="smcap">Andrée.</span>”</p> - -<p>Andrée, therefore, appears to have despatched -three pigeons in less than three days, -and the balloon seems to have covered, during -this time, a distance of scarcely 187½ miles—a -fact which is accounted for by the calm which -reigned on the second day.</p> - -<p>No other trustworthy news has since come -to hand. Much noise was made about a -telegram originating from Krasnoïarsk in -Siberia, which announced that a balloon, believed -to be Andrée’s, had been sighted on -the 14th of September, for some minutes, in -the province of Jēnisseisk.</p> - -<p>This message was rather vague. Supposing -that the balloon remained in the air for more -than sixty days (which is still within the limits -of possibility), it ought to have crossed, in -order to arrive at that point, over 625 miles -of inhabited land, without being perceived,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -which is rather doubtful. On the other hand, -Andrée would not travel such a long way in -regions where communications are comparatively -easy and where he would have been in -perfect safety, without effecting a landing and -stopping on his journey.</p> - -<p>Knowing the temperament of these heroes, -who start with high courage towards the unknown, -in order to try to lift the veil which -still hides those mysterious regions from mortal -eyes, and after having read the narrative of the -wonderful voyage of Nansen and his companions, -shall we despair?</p> - -<p>Has not Andrée already been highly favoured -by chance and accident? Has he not already, -in his career as an aeronaut, escaped from -dangerous situations in which many others, -perhaps, would have perished? Let us hope, -then, that his lucky star will not forsake him, -and that fortune, which favours the brave, will -bring back to us, victorious, the three <i>savants</i> -who have a full claim to our unstinted admiration.</p> - -<p>I may add that the preparatory stages of the -expedition were very troublesome; obstacles -of all kinds, bad weather, and, in particular, -contrary winds, made two attempts futile. -Only on the third attempt were the explorers<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> -able to leave <i>terra firma</i> finally and float in -space towards this inaccessible pole, the search -for which has already cost science so many -illustrious lives.</p> - -<p>In fact, a first expedition organized in June, -1896, went to Spitzbergen, at which place a -balloon and all the plant necessary for its -inflation were fitted up. But after a long wait -for the south wind, which did not come, the -explorers were compelled to return to Europe, -as the season was too far advanced.</p> - -<p>Now, before narrating the preliminaries of -the second expedition and commencing the -story of our voyage across the polar sea, it -seems expedient briefly to recapitulate the -history of the Swedish expedition to which we -have had the honour to belong, and to give -some details as to the construction of the aerial -ship, and the work accomplished last year on -Dane’s Island.</p> - -<p>An undertaking bristling with so many difficulties -could not possibly be carried through in -an inhospitable country in a season which lasts -barely two months; and this fact the reader -will be able to appreciate later on.</p> - -<p class="right">H. L.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">The Engineer Andrée<br /> -<span class="smaller">BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES</span></h2> - -</div> - -<p>Salomon-Auguste Andrée was -born on the 18th of October, 1854, at -Grenna, a little town in the province of -Smoiland. His father was a chemist. The -rather severe training received at the hands -of their father, imbued the children of the -Andrée family at an early age with the -spirit of obedience and punctuality. Their -father died some years ago, and their mother, -a distinguished lady, died in the spring of -1897.</p> - -<p>After finishing his educational course young -Andrée entered the technical school, an institution -exclusively intended for civil engineers,—artillery -and army engineers’ officers having a -separate Higher School. He chose the mechanical -engineering section of the school, and -left it an engineer. He thereupon worked for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> -some time (as is frequently the custom in -Sweden) as a simple mechanic in a workshop, -sharing in every respect the life of an ordinary -workman. Later on, he travelled abroad for -purposes of study.</p> - -<p>The knowledge he thus acquired, both theoretical -and practical, procured him the distinction -of being appointed, at the early -age of twenty-six, assistant professor of pure -and applied physical science at the technical -school.</p> - -<p>At the age of twenty-eight, in 1892, he took -part in a Swedish meteorological expedition -to Spitzbergen. He wintered there until the -next year, directing the experiments and -observations on atmospheric electricity.</p> - -<p>In 1884, Andrée was appointed chief -engineer to the Patent Office,—being a newly -created post,—and from 1886 to 1889 he -occupied, at the same time, a professor’s -chair at the technical school of Stockholm.</p> - -<p>However, his position at the Patent Office, -being a post of the highest importance, claimed -all his time and energy, and Andrée found -himself obliged to resign the professorship.</p> - -<p>But he could not give up the idea of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -scientific aerostation, a problem which had -always haunted his mind since his early youth.</p> - -<p>The Swedish Academy of Science, which -counts among its members famous men like -A. Nordensjold, G. Retzius, G. Mittaz-Leffler, -the mathematician, H. Hildebran and O. -Montelius, the antiquarians, and others known -and esteemed by the learned world, turned -their attention to Andrée’s projects, and in -1892 he received from the Academy and the -“L. J. Hjerta Memorial Foundation,” a subvention -for the purpose of undertaking -scientific aerial navigation—an honour which -was unprecedented in Sweden.</p> - -<p>From that time Andrée devoted himself to -aerial navigation, and made his first ascent at -Stockholm in the summer of 1893.</p> - -<p>He has since made a number of ascents for -scientific purposes, some of which were of -a most perilous nature—one resulting in a -disaster in the Baltic. On another occasion -he was carried from Gothenburg over the -Baltic, after having traversed the whole of -Sweden. The reefs round the Isle of Goëland -presented the greatest difficulties to his -landing. This last attempt nearly cost Andrée<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> -his life; but these “little accidents” were not -calculated to discourage a man of his temperament.</p> - -<p>He made several experiments at steering -by means of a guide-rope and a sail, and -came to the conclusion that it would be possible -to direct the course of the balloon even -while keeping it at a low altitude.</p> - -<p>Thereupon, early in 1895, Andrée presented -to the Academy of Sciences a well matured -project for exploring the regions of the North -Pole with the aid of a balloon; the start was -to be made from Spitzbergen, where the -inflation of the balloon was to be effected. -The estimated cost amounted to about -£7,177.</p> - -<p>A National subscription was opened, which -was completed in a few days by four generous -donors.</p> - -<p>Mr. A. Nobel, of lamented memory, subscribed -£3,588.</p> - -<p>The King of Sweden, wishing to show the -interest taken by him in the expedition, gave -£1,656.</p> - -<p>Baron Dickson, well known for his liberality, -also gave £1,656.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span></p> - -<p>The sum was completed by Mr. R. Lamm -and some other donors.</p> - -<p>Mr. R. Lamm, moreover, undertook to -supply all the mechanical part of the various -apparatus.</p> - -<p>Having once settled the financial aspect of -the question, Andrée made several journeys -all over Europe, in order to obtain personal -interviews with foreign scientific celebrities -and gain them over to his views concerning -this bold enterprise. He visited, one by one, -the aeronautical establishments, procuring at -the same time samples of the tissues employed, -and obtaining the opinions of various constructors.</p> - -<p>Thereupon, on his return to Stockholm, he -carefully tested the samples which he had -brought with him; he felt interested in the -English and German products, but gave preference -to the French industry. Finally his -choice fell on Chinese Pongee silk, cemented -together in double, threefold, and fourfold -layers, and varnished, this tissue having -been advocated and experimented with for -several years past by M. H. Lachambre, -to whom Andrée entrusted the construction<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -of the balloon on condition that M. Lachambre -should follow the expedition to -Spitzbergen, where the benefit of his experience -would be at Andrée’s service.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">The Aerial Vessel<br /> -<span class="smaller smcap">Description of the Balloon for Andrée’s -Polar Expedition, and the Appliances -Constructed at the Aerostatic Workshops -of Vaugirard.</span></h2> - -</div> - -<p>After studying the question for a long -time, Andrée finally decided to give -his balloon the cubical contents of 158,924 feet, -and the shape of a sphere terminating in a -slightly conical appendage.</p> - -<p>This sphere, fitted with two lateral regulating -valves, one lower automatic valve, and a -“rending flap,” measures 22 yards in diameter, -by 1,431 yards surface; it is enclosed in a -net of hemp cord, terminating in systems of -“crow feet,” and suspending ropes attached to -the car by means of a “load ring.”</p> - -<p>The upper part of the balloon is protected -against rain and snow by a varnished silk<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span> -cover, the apex of which is fixed to the upper -pole of the envelope, and the lower margin to -the meshes of the net.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The Envelope.</span>—In making up the envelope, -600 pieces of best quality Pongee silk, -each from 18 to 19 yards long by about 18 -inches wide, were used. From each of these -a piece was cut off which was tried in both -directions—that of the chain and that of the -weft; then the pieces were classified according -to their strength, in order to be subjected to -the operation of cementing or joining together.</p> - -<p>All these pieces, after being cemented together, -were tried again before being used. -The trials were made by means of a Perreaux -dynamometer, with strips about 2 inches wide -by 4 inches long, under the control of Messrs. -P. de Nordenfeld and Noël, engineers of the -Nordenfeld Company, to whom Andrée had -entrusted the task of testing the materials used -in the construction of his balloon.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus3"> -<img src="images/illus3.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p> -<p class="caption">VIEW OF THE LOWER PART OF THE BALLOON.</p> -</div> - -<p>The tests gave the following results:—For -double tissue, the breaking strains varied from -5,291 lbs. to 7,936 lbs. per yard, for threefold -tissue from 6,854 to 12,125, and for fourfold<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -tissue, made up of the best single pieces found, -from 13,227 to 15,873 lbs. per yard.</p> - -<p>The minimum resistance demanded by Andrée -was fixed at 2,204 lbs. per yard and per -single thickness of Pongee. This minimum -was therefore greatly exceeded.</p> - -<p>The cemented pieces were classified according -to their strength, for distribution over the -surface of the balloon as the strain demanded.</p> - -<p>The upper part of the envelope is a disc 19 -feet 8 inches in diameter, formed by twenty-four -widths of fourfold silk. The adjoining -part, consisting of threefold silk up to 13 feet -1 inch below the equator of the sphere, is -composed of forty-one zones made up of forty-eight -widths each.</p> - -<p>The remainder of the balloon, down to the -lower parallel, having a diameter of 23 feet, is -of double material, being made up of twenty-two -zones of forty-eight widths; and finally -the lower part, including the appendage, is of -threefold silk, and consists of five zones of -forty-eight widths, and three zones of twenty-four -widths each.</p> - -<p>The portions made up of threefold and -double Pongee are joined together by an intermediate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -zone in which the various widths of -material are alternately made up, half of threefold -and half of double tissue.</p> - -<p>In each zone the various widths, or pieces -of material, are identical in shape; twenty-seven -different templates had to be designed -in order to determine the exact shape of the -various pieces or widths of material, the total -number of which is 3,360. The cutting out -of these pieces was effected with the aid of -a cutting blade guided by a steel rule, following -the outlines of a template. At first those belonging -to one and the same zone were joined -together, and the zones were then joined so -that the various pieces or widths overlapped each -other in such a manner as to give the balloon -the aspect of a structure of bricks or freestone.</p> - -<p>The cemented joints of the various pieces -are ½ inch wide; they are then sewn by a -machine, with three seams made with fine -silk in the double or threefold material, and -four rows of stitches in the fourfold material.</p> - -<p>These joints or seams are then covered, outside -and inside, with a strip of single silk 1⅕ -inches wide, cemented on with a special varnish -recently discovered by M. Lachambre.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span></p> - -<p>The strips cemented by this new process -have the double advantage of rendering the -seams impermeable and restoring to the joints -the resistance of which the stitching deprives -them.</p> - -<p>The varnish used for this cementing meets -all requirements; it preserves the natural suppleness -of the material, is unaffected by the -balloon varnish, which has linseed oil for its -basis, and is proof against water and changes -of temperature.</p> - -<p>The tests made with the joints thus constituted, -proved that their resistance was greater -than that of the adjoining parts, and Andrée, -who only desires an equal strength throughout, -naturally was very well satisfied with this -result.</p> - -<p>The seams are 4,811 yards long, with three -or four rows of stitching, representing a line -of single stitching equal to a length of 15,310 -yards, and the total length of the cemented -strips is nearly 9,842 yards.</p> - -<p>The two hemispheres of the balloon were -first formed; their weight was 2,116 lbs., and -before proceeding to the last equatorial closing -seam, they were given three coats of Arnoul’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> -varnish (the best balloon varnish hitherto -tried); a fourth coat being given after the -two halves had been joined together, on the -premises of the “Palais du Champ de Mars,” -remaining from the 1889 Exhibition.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Net.</span>—The net of the polar balloon is composed -of 384 hemp cords, ⅙ inch thick by -211 feet 7 inches long, each having a breaking -strain of not less than 873 lbs. (in the tests -made the minimum result was 925 lbs., while -the maximum was 1,190 lbs.).</p> - -<p>Each cord is jointless; its two ends are fixed, -at the upper pole, to a cordage ring or crown -measuring 26 inches in diameter and 2⅓ inches -in thickness. There are no knots in this -net, the cords being interwoven at their -crossing points, one being passed through the -other; it was in this way that the “Henri -Giffard” captive balloon was finished in 1878.</p> - -<p>The crossing points are strengthened by -ligatures of fine twine.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;" id="illus4"> -<img src="images/illus4.jpg" width="500" height="700" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span></p> -<p class="caption">VALVES FOR WORKING THE BALLOON.</p> -</div> - -<p>The circumference of the net, all the way -up, consists of 192 meshes, the dimensions of -which vary according to the area of the zone -they are to cover. These meshes, the number -of which is no less than 19,000, represent a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -length of twine amounting to nearly 16,404 -yards.</p> - -<p>The lower part of the net is formed by a -system of three zones of crowfeet or cringles, -each zone reducing, by one-half, the number -of meshes composing the next upper zone.</p> - -<p>The first row of crowfeet is mounted on -thimbles of nickeled brass, the second and -the third on wooden pulley-blocks, having -sheaves of lignum vitæ; and forty-eight suspending -cords, each fitted at its end with an -eye, complete the net and form points for tying -it to the retaining ring by means of toggles. -These suspending cords have a diameter of -⁷⁄₁₀ inch, and a bearing-strain of no less than -6,613 lbs.</p> - -<p>The net thus constituted weighed 776 lbs. -In order to preserve the cordage from moisture -it was impregnated with vaseline, except in -the upper part, which was covered with a -projecting cover of varnished silk; after this -operation the weight of the net was 974 lbs.</p> - -<p>Eight detachable equatorial cringles were -fixed to the equator of the net. They were to -serve for holding up the balloon, and preventing -it from oscillating, in the shed which was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span> -to shelter it at Spitzbergen, while awaiting a -favourable wind for the departure of the expedition.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Protecting Cover.</span>—A spherical <i>calotte</i> of -single silk, varnished with four coats and -vaselined, and having an area of 1,560 square -feet, covers the upper part of the balloon. It is -finished in the same way as the balloon, being -composed of overlapping widths to the number -of 720.</p> - -<p>The seams, having a width of ¼ inch, are -hooked together, and sewn with two rows of -stitching with silk thread. They are not -covered with cemented strips. Their total -length is 656 yards.</p> - -<p>The vertex of the protecting cover, of conical -shape, is of double silk. It rests on a small -wooden structure, likewise of conical shape, the -base of which, placed on the material at the -upper pole of the balloon, is surrounded and -held in place by the crown of the net.</p> - -<p>The lower zone, terminating the protecting -cover, is of double silk. Its extreme edge -is put round a hemp bolt-rope, ³⁄₁₀ inch in -diameter, which is sewn into the material; -ninety-six eyes made above this bolt-rope are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span> -intended to receive thongs for fixing the protecting -cover to the meshes of the net.</p> - -<p>This protecting cover weighs 88 lbs. Its -object is to protect the top of the balloon -against rain, and more especially to prevent -incrustation with snow between the meshes of -the net.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Valves.</span>—The balloon has no valve at the -top, because its action would probably be -affected by snow; but it is provided with two -manipulating valves, of equal dimensions, one -being placed at the equator, and the other -one metre above the equator. These are at -150 degrees angular distance from each other.</p> - -<p>These valves, constructed on a system of -Andrée’s, measure 9⅘ inches in external diameter. -Each is formed by a disc of aluminium -bronze, 9 inches in diameter, and under normal -conditions rests on a circular piece of walnut -wood, but can be withdrawn therefrom by -moving it along a screw which occupies the -centre. This movement is effected from the -car of the balloon by means of two cords for -each valve, passing through the interior of the -balloon and issuing from it near the appendage -through four tubes, arranged in pairs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span></p> - -<p>Gas-tightness is obtained by a circular rubber -band, against which the outer margin of the -valve disc rests. The orifice for the escape of -gas measures 7⅘ inches in diameter. In order -to fix the valves to the balloon, two openings, -7⅘ inches in diameter, are made in the material. -The margin around these openings is strengthened -by collars, 19⅖ inches in diameter, of -threefold material, cemented and sewn on; the -seat of each valve is applied internally to the -material of the balloon, the margin of which is -caught between two rubber bands, and thereupon -pressed against the seat by an external -wooden hoop and bolts.</p> - -<p>These valves do not present any external -projection against which the cord of the net -might catch.</p> - -<p>The automatic valve closing the appendage -was suggested to Andrée by M. Lachambre, -and was adopted. It measures 39 inches in -external diameter, with a discharge orifice 34 -inches in diameter. The valve disc, of threefold -Pongee silk, is 35⅘ inches in diameter. It -is provided with two glazed windows, in order -to enable the aeronauts to inspect the interior -of the balloon. This disc, which is slightly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -conical, is fitted upon a walnut-wood ring, -which acts as a seat, in which it is held by -the traction of six spiral springs of steel wire, -fastened on one side to the end of the wooden -spokes of the valve, and on the other side to -the top of a small frame fixed on the seat. The -frame, mounted on the wooden ring or crown, -is formed by twelve nickeled steel tubes.</p> - -<p>The valve is guided in its course by a central -steel tube, sliding in another tube, which serves -as an axis for the frame. A small cotter limits -its action, the length of which is equal to one-half -of the radius of the discharge orifice. The -joint is rendered gas-tight at the periphery of -the valve by means of a brass blade resting on -a rubber band stretched in a groove of the seat.</p> - -<p>The valve commences to open under the -action of an internal pressure corresponding to -³⁄₁₀ inch water column. In order to fix it to the -balloon, it is placed in the interior of the appendage, -the margin of which, held between two -rubber bands, is kept tight against the seat by -an external belt or ring of brass, fastened by -bolts.</p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Rending Flap.</span>”—The rending flap is 4½ -yards high, and has a surface of 4⁷⁄₁₀ square<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> -yards. It is formed of threefold Pongee silk, -and is rectangular in shape, terminating in a curvilinear -triangle, the point of which is turned -upwards. Its vertical axis is at an angular distance -of 105 degrees from each of the two -manipulating valves; the lower base, which -is 35⅖ inches wide, reaches down to 19⅗ inches -above the equator. The seams joining the -material of the “rending flap” to that of the -balloon are similar to the seams of the various -widths, and are likewise covered with cemented -strips.</p> - -<p>In the interior of the balloon the upper -extremity of the “rending flap” is of fourfold -silk; its edge is put round a stick of hard -wood, to which a rope for pulling is fixed, by -means of which the rent is made. This rope -descends to the car after having passed through -the lower part of the envelope, near the appendage, -in a tube.</p> - -<p>In order to make the rent with ease, which -will require an effort equal to a traction of about -220 or 250 pounds, Andrée intends to use a -small grapnel, which he will attach to the end -of this rope and throw to the ground at the -proper moment.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;" id="illus5"> -<img src="images/illus5.jpg" width="500" height="700" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE BALLOON IN THE 96 FEET GALLERY OF THE CHAMP DE MARS -EXHIBITION.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span></p> - -<p>Thereupon the balloon will be emptied very -rapidly, and all dragging along the ground will -be avoided, however violent the wind may be.</p> - -<p>Of course Andrée will not make use of the -“rending flap” until he is travelling over -hospitable regions and wishes to terminate his -aerial voyage and alight definitely.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bands for Protection against water.— -Sundry Details.</span>—Above the appendage, at -the parallels measuring 16 feet 4 inches and 22 -feet 11 inches respectively in diameter, there -are fixed, by one of their edges, two vertical -circular bands nearly 4 inches high.</p> - -<p>These bands are of single silk; their purpose -is to form gutters for carrying off any -water which might run down the material -of the balloon, and thus protect the car in -which the observers are stationed from rain. -In the interior of the appendage there is -another band, differently placed, forming a -circular trough, intended to receive any water -that might result from a strong condensation -of the gases contained in the balloon, and -thus prevent any accumulation of such water -over the automatic valve. Between the external -band, of 16 feet 4 inches in diameter,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> -and the appendage, and facing the tube through -which the rending cord passes, the inflating -nozzle, which is 19 feet 8 inches long, is -fixed.</p> - -<p>The two cords which control each of the -manipulating valves are worked by pulling: -one, being that which opens the valve, is -painted blue; the other, which closes it, retains -the natural colour of the hemp.</p> - -<p>The cord acting upon the rending flap is -coloured red.</p> - -<p>Along a meridian traced on the envelope -coloured marks are made, with figures indicating -every 546 yards of cubic contents of the -segment above each mark. This will admit of -the progress of inflation at Spitzbergen being -rapidly ascertained.</p> - -<p>On two other meridians, suitably situated, -are shown the positions for the straps to -support the sails with which the polar balloon -is to be provided.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The Car.</span>—In the construction of the car, -the use of iron or steel was prohibited, so as to -avoid interfering with the action of the magnetic -instruments. Its form is cylindrical, -measuring two metres in diameter, from centre<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> -to centre of its sides, which are of cane basket-work -mounted on a framework of chestnut-wood; -eight handles of wicker-work are -attached to the cylindrical part, at a convenient -height, to facilitate the transport.</p> - -<p>The bottom is strengthened by wooden crossbeams -placed externally and fastened to the -basket-work by bolts and brass plates put on -the inside.</p> - -<p>The cylindrical part is truncated on one side, -having a plane surface which is to form part -of an inclined plane intersecting the lower floor -of the car, and extending from this floor to -midway up the cylinder, the length of the chord -formed by the plane intersecting the base being -51 inches.</p> - -<p>When the balloon touches the ground, rolling -of the car will be avoided by this flat surface, -which will rest and drag on the ground. Internally, -the upper margin of the side is fitted -all round with about 100 cords terminating in -buckles or eyes. To these cords, which are -passed through the basket-work, instruments -and various objects are to be attached. The -roof of the car is a disc or cover, likewise of -basket-work, slightly convex in order to prevent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -any accumulation of water. The margin of the -periphery of this cover forms a cavity into -which the margin of the car is inserted, thus -preserving its peculiar shape. Cross-pieces of -wood fixed inside the cover or roof impart to -it the necessary rigidity to support the observers; -entrance to the car and exit therefrom is -effected by means of a trap-door which moves -on hinges.</p> - -<p>Above the flattened part, the cylindrical side -of the car is fitted with two square windows -with glass panes of 5¾ inches side; the bottom -of the car has two square openings of 7⅘ inches -side, closed by wooden trap-doors.</p> - -<p>The car is covered with tarpaulin having -openings corresponding to those in the basket-work.</p> - -<p>The tarpaulin of the roof forms a vertical -rim 3⁹⁄₁₀ inches in width, perforated with -holes for draining off rain-water. The car is -suspended by six hemp ropes 1¹⁄₁₀ inch thick. -Their respective strength is from 17,636 lbs. to -19,841 lbs. They are interwoven with the -basket-work, and joined together at the bottom -of the car by a hexagon of rope.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus6"> -<img src="images/illus6.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span></p> -<p class="caption">START OF THE VIRGO FROM GOTHENBURG, 7TH OF JUNE, 1896.</p> -</div> - -<p>Above the roof they are joined to each other<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -by five horizontal ropes placed at equal distances -and forming a kind of balustrade 3 feet 3 -inches high, which was to be covered in later -on either with tarpaulin or some other enclosing -material.</p> - -<p>The thickness of these horizontal ropes is -⅕ inch, except the uppermost rope, which is -³⁄₁₀ inch thick.</p> - -<p>About 6 feet 6 inches above the roof, the -hexagon formed by the six ropes is drawn -together by a hexagon of rope-work measuring -3 feet 3 inches inside diameter.</p> - -<p>The upper end of the suspending ropes -terminates in an eye or loop joining it to the -ropes of the load ring.</p> - -<p>On the circumference of the upper edge -of the car six brass balls are fastened, at -equal distances from each other, forming the -lower part of a system of ball links which are -to carry a structure intended to support the -scientific instruments. This structure was -made at Stockholm under the supervision of -Andrée.</p> - -<p>The fitting up and equipment of the car was -also carried out under his supervision.</p> - -<p>The aeronauts will generally be on the flooring<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span> -of the roof, for the purpose of observations. -The interior of the car forms their sleeping -apartment, where they will each rest in turn.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Marks of the Expedition.</span>—All the -articles comprising the aerostatic equipment -are marked with the words “<span class="smcap">Andrée’s Polar -Expedition 1896</span>,” which are branded upon -wooden articles, engraved on metal articles, and -painted with a durable paint on the protecting -cover, the envelope, the tarpaulin of the car, -and the ballast bags.</p> - -<p>Some ropes of the net and the suspending -rope are fitted with small plates strongly fixed -to them, on which the above mark is engraved.</p> - -<p>The articles not affording sufficient space for -the whole mark bear the abridged mark “<span class="smcap">Aée’s -Exp 1896</span>.”</p> - -<p>The following articles were made at Stockholm; -viz., the “load ring” connecting the -balloon with the car, the provision basket, the -guide-ropes, sails, etc., as well as the plant for -making pure hydrogen gas, a description of -which will be found later on. Only the gas -conducting pipes, which are of silk, and the -ballast bags, were manufactured at Paris, being -supplied from the Vaugirard factory.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Exhibition of the Equipment and Plant -at the Champ de Mars</span> (Old Buildings of -the 1889 Exhibition).—The order for the -articles described above was given by Andrée -to M. H. Lachambre at the end of December, -1895, and delivery was to be effected between -the 15th and 20th of May, 1896, failing which -the contractor made himself liable to an enormous -progressive fine, in proportion to the -number of days of delay, and if delivery was -not made before the 3rd of June the order -could be cancelled. But the work was executed -within the stipulated time, and towards the end -of April the whole plant was conveyed to the -Champ de Mars, into the 30 m. gallery, in -order to be examined there by the Commission.</p> - -<p>According to a clause of the agreement the -envelope was to be inflated with air, and before -the last varnishing to be submitted to -an internal pressure equal to 3 inches water-column.</p> - -<p>This trial took place on the 3rd of May, -in the presence of Messrs. de Nordenfeld, -engineer of the Nordenfeld Company, Gaston -Tissandier, Colonel Renard and Commander -Renard, managers of the Central Establishment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> -of Military Aerostation of Chalais-Meudon. -The openings of the balloon were provisionally -closed; the valve in the appendage was -replaced by a wooden hoop covered by a disc -of material containing a glazed window, 7⅘ -inches in diameter, thus permitting inspection -of the interior of the balloon. The latter was -inflated by means of a ventilator supplying -about 70,633 cubic feet of air per hour.</p> - -<p>Andrée’s experts, who had followed up the -manufacture step by step, then examined -minutely all the parts, and declared the -material to be faultless, and quite in accordance -with the desires expressed by Andrée.</p> - -<p>After this examination, which showed that -the envelope inflated with air did not lose its -contents to any appreciable extent, the balloon -was emptied, and was then given the last coat -of varnish. This having been done, it was -again inflated for the purpose of drying.</p> - -<p>The net suspended by the crown, in the -centre of the central dome, and with the suspending -ropes attached to the balustrade of -the first gallery, presented the appearance of -a vast tent, the summit of which was 131 to -164 feet above the ground.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus7"> -<img src="images/illus7.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span></p> -<p class="caption">STAFF-OFFICERS OF THE EXPEDITION.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span></p> - -<p>The car, the valves, and in short all the articles -made at Paris were exhibited at the Champ -de Mars. A little balloon of 1,148 feet, fully -equipped, and inflated with air, suspended by -the side of the polar balloon, served for comparison. -This exhibition, which was not arranged -with a view to profit, was thrown open -to the public from the 10th to the 14th of May.</p> - -<p>The 10th of May was reserved for special -guests, and M. Félix Faure, President of the -French Republic, was the first visitor. He -took much interest in the various parts of the -balloon, which he examined at length, and in -the details of its construction. He expressed -his best wishes for the success of this interesting -expedition.</p> - -<p>There were present at the same time as the -President, M. de Nordenfeld, Swedish engineer, -M. Gaston Tissandier, Colonel Renard, and -Commander Renard, who had also watched -the work in its various stages, and had co-operated -therein to a certain extent.</p> - -<p>The Swedish colony was represented by -M. Dué, minister plenipotentiary, and Gustav -Nordling, vice-consul.</p> - -<p>Among the other guests were Messrs. Poubelle,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -Prefect de la Seine, Admiral Sallandrouze -de Larmornaix, General Mathieu, M. Decauville, -senator, M. Coulet, solicitor to the Swedish -Legation, etc.</p> - -<p>During the next four days over 30,000 persons -came to see the <i>North Pole</i> balloon, and -expressed their good wishes for the success -of the three bold Swedish explorers whose -courage is universally admired.</p> - -<p class="right">A. M.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">FIRST PART<br /> -<span class="smaller"><i>TWO MONTHS AT SPITZBERGEN</i></span></h2> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h3 class="nobreak">I<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Departure</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>I left Paris on the night of the 2nd of -June, 1896, to accompany Andrée and his -companions to Spitzbergen, as had been arranged. -My mind was much taken up with -speculations as to the ultimate fate of the -expedition, and the responsibility I had undertaken -weighed rather heavily upon me.</p> - -<p>Without stopping at the various stages of -my journey, Cologne, Hamburg, and Copenhagen, -though all of them very interesting -towns, I arrived at Gothenburg, where I was -received by Captain Andrée, brother of the -explorer; and although much fatigued by -forty hours’ railway and boat travelling, my -first visit was to the good ship <i>Virgo</i>, which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> -was to be my home for several months, and -convey me towards the northern regions.</p> - -<p>Andrée, who left nothing to chance, had -chosen his vessel well, and his brother superintended -her loading and equipment.</p> - -<p>When I arrived work was proceeding with -feverish activity, and it is almost impossible -to conceive the quantity of goods which were -stowed away in this small vessel of 300 tons. -I was present at the embarkation of the barrows -of sulphuric acid which had been brought -from England.</p> - -<p>We have a select crew, composed almost -entirely of engineering students from the -technical school of Stockholm, and officers -who have taken berths as ordinary sailors -in order to follow the expedition; one can -see that there will be no more lack of brave -and generous hearts than of scientific heads.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 5th of June, the -three explorers arrived from Stockholm. At -night a grand fête brought us together at -Baron Dickson’s, one of the generous promoters -of the enterprise.</p> - -<p><i>Saturday evening, 6th of June.</i>—Popular -fête at Lorensburg Park; numerous speeches<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -and enthusiastic toasts; reading of telegrams -and kind wishes for the success of the expedition. -The tables are adorned with magnificent -bouquets of natural flowers enclosed in -pyramids of ice. The effect is most picturesque, -and this is certainly an idea which has never -yet suggested itself, as far as I know, to the -minds of the managers of our great culinary -establishments; I now give them the benefit -thereof. What can be more attractive than -the picture of flowers and chandelier-lights -reflected in these miniature icebergs?</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, June 7th.</i>—I arrived at the port at -8 a.m. The <i>Virgo</i> has been dressed in her -gala bunting; her masts are resplendent with -many-hued streamers. At the stern proudly -floats the splendid silk flag presented by the -ladies of Gothenburg. The deck is adorned -with flowers and ribbons; I am touched at -the sight of my national colours.</p> - -<p>All the vessels in port are dressed with -bunting, and crammed with spectators. An -army of photographers, who all have their -cameras pointed at the <i>Virgo</i>, are preparing -to immortalize the vessel as she now appears.</p> - -<p>The launches and all the boats, large and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> -small, are making the <i>Virgo</i> their rendezvous. -The rest of the population is on the quays -and the neighbouring buildings.</p> - -<p>M. Vieillard, a friend, who came to accompany -me, left me at nine o’clock; we arranged -to meet at Spitzbergen.</p> - -<p>I saluted Baron Dickson, his daughter and -his niece, who were on the quay. His son -came to the <i>Virgo</i> to shake hands, and wish -me a good voyage.</p> - -<p>The three explorers also arrived with their -friends crowding round them. The partings -were very touching, and the emotion, in which -all present shared, reached its height when -precisely at ten o’clock the signal for starting -was sounded.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> is slowly moving.</p> - -<p>The enthusiasm becomes indescribable. An -immense hurrah, four times repeated, is volleyed -from every panting breast. Handkerchiefs -and hats are waved frantically, the cheers -burst forth with redoubled vigour. Andrée, -Ekholm, and Strindberg, appear at the bulwarks -with their bouquets and their ribbons: -they signal their adieux and acknowledge -ours.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus8"> -<img src="images/illus8.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE FIRST FLOATING ICEBERGS.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p> - -<p>Then we, too, have our share in this grand -and most impressive manifestation.</p> - -<p>The flag of the <i>Virgo</i> dips by way of salute, -and then rises again, and at this moment the -<i>cortége</i> of vessels and boats forms up around -our vessel, which has progressed a little towards -the open sea.</p> - -<p>Something like a hundred boats follow in -our wake. On several of them bands are playing, -and a regular procession commences. -Those who have no boats follow along the -quays; it is a veritable tide of human beings.</p> - -<p>A few inevitable collisions occurred between -some of the impetuous small craft, but most -happily no serious accident is to be regretted.</p> - -<p>The sun is shining gloriously; the sky, too, -has put on its festive garb, and seems desirous -of encouraging the bold explorers leaving for -the conquest of the North Pole.</p> - -<p>We are now out in the open sea.</p> - -<p>At one o’clock we are assembled on the quarter-deck, -and the introductions commence:—</p> - -<p>Herr Andrée, former pupil of the higher -technical school of Stockholm, Director of the -Patent Office, and commander of the expedition;</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span></p> - -<p>Herr Ekholm, doctor of natural philosophy, -chief of the Meteorological Office of Stockholm;</p> - -<p>Herr Strindberg, former student of Upsala -University, second master at the Free University -of Stockholm;</p> - -<p>Herr Svante Arrhénius, hydrographer, chief -of the Stockholm University, professor of -natural philosophy;</p> - -<p>Herr Grumberg, naturalist, master at the -Stockholm University, higher school;</p> - -<p>Dr. Carl Ekelund, physician to the expedition;</p> - -<p>Captain Hugo Zachau, commander of the -<i>Virgo</i>, which ordinarily plies between Gothenburg -and Hull.</p> - -<p>Nor must we forget the stewardess Charlotte, -a complaisant Swede, wearing a coquettish little -white toque, of the comic-opera style, trimmed -with a pretty ribbon bearing the badge of the -expedition. This charming person made me -three pretty curtsies, and an acquaintance was -soon formed between us. It is she who will -wait on us at table. She seems much at her -ease on board the <i>Virgo</i>, and she has better -sea-legs than I have. She has made a napkin -ring with ribbons for each of us; mine bears<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -the French colours. She is, moreover, very -amusing. There is also the cook, who excels in -the preparation of <i>omelettes aux anchois</i>—but I -must not anticipate.</p> - -<p>After the introductions we taste the brandy -and whisky; we drink toasts for the success -of the polar expedition; then several speeches -are made. At three o’clock we assemble for -dinner in the dining saloon. The captain does -the honours at the table; he is a jolly amphitryon, -and robust both physically and morally. -The meal passed off very gaily.</p> - -<p>I was seated near Strindberg and Professor -Arrhénius, with whom I can speak in my own -language, and also learn a few words of -Swedish. This, in fact, is simply by way of -retaliation, as I have been appointed “professor -of the French language” by acclamation.</p> - -<p>We take our coffee on deck, smoking -delicious Havannahs presented to the expedition. -Gently cradled by the waves, I abandon -myself to revery. How many things I have -seen since my departure, and how far away -from home I am already! Nevertheless, I -have only reached the first stage, and much -excitement is still in store for me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p> - -<p>I have taken possession of my cabin, which -adjoins the kitchen and dining saloon, and am -settling down there as comfortably as possible, -but not without difficulty, as the place allotted -to me is very small.</p> - -<p>At eight o’clock the dinner bell once more -unites us round the table, and the evening is -spent in frankest cordiality. The voyage -commences very promisingly.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">II<br /> -<span class="smaller">Out at Sea</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>June 8th, 1896, 10.30.</i>—We have been -under way for twenty-four hours; we are -in sight of Norway, off the Forsund, at a -distance of nine miles from the coast, but the -mist prevents us from seeing very far. The -fir-clad mountains are vaguely outlined to our -right, and the <i>Virgo</i> is heading due north-west. -There is nothing for us to do but take life as -it comes. I commence my diary in my cabin. -The sea, though a little rough, has not yet -troubled me. Andrée alone has already paid -his tribute.</p> - -<p><i>Tuesday, June 9th, Coasts of Norway.</i>—Sea -rough, general discomfort, moral prostration; -I am unable to write. The <i>Virgo</i> -rolls heavily. At the present moment, 6 p.m., -it is as light as at midday.</p> - -<p><i>Wednesday, June 10th, 6.30.</i>—The temperature -has gone down considerably; we have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> -crossed the polar circle. A steamer has kept -company with us this morning at a distance of -7½ miles on our port side. Sea rough.</p> - -<p><i>Thursday, June 11th, 10 a.m.</i>—In sight of -the Loffoden Islands; sky overcast; some few -rays of the sun; sea smoother; the vessel still -rolls.</p> - -<p><i>Friday, June 12th, 9.30.</i>—At last we are in -the straits which lead to Tromsö. I was so ill -to-night that I should have thrown myself into -the sea had I forgotten, for one moment, my -duty and my family.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus9"> -<img src="images/illus9.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p> -<p class="caption">DANES ISLAND AND THE PIKE HOUSE.</p> -</div> - -<p>At 11 p.m. I sent for the doctor; it seemed -to me that I was going to die all alone in my -narrow cabin. He ordered me champagne and -sleep. Charlotte, the stewardess, brought me -some oranges, and took off my boots, which I -had not had the courage to take off for four -days. Oh, Charlotte, my fair Scandinavian -maid, with your clear eyes, your engaging -smile, your gay face, and your lithe but robust -physique, how you must have pitied “the -French gentleman,” as they called me, who -but the other day was so nimble, so sure of -himself to all appearance, and who has suddenly -become more inert and helpless than<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span> -an old cap that has been cast away by the -skipper!</p> - -<p>And in spite of the horrible tortures I -suffered, I was vaguely conscious of the strange -humour of the situation of having my boots -removed by dainty female hands better adapted -for millinery than for such a rough task.</p> - -<p>Have you ever been sea-sick? If you have, -you will understand me. How well I then -understood what is narrated of Cicero, who, -having taken refuge on board a vessel in -order to escape the assassin sent out for him -by Marc-Antony, preferred returning to Gaeta, -to face the death which he feared, to enduring -any longer the tortures of sea-sickness.</p> - -<p>The bay bristles with high granite mountains -with snow-capped summits. The <i>Virgo</i> -makes signals for a pilot, who is a long time -coming; she stops from five o’clock to nine -awaiting him, and strange to say, when the -noise of the engine ceases we have a feeling -of sadness. It is as if something was wanting -from our lives.</p> - -<p>At last, at half-past nine the much-wished-for -pilot arrives, and the <i>Virgo</i> resumes her -route towards Tromsö, the promised land.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span></p> - -<p>We are now floating on a lake whose banks -are clad with verdure. I behold with some -amount of pleasure the objects surrounding -me.</p> - -<p>What a contrast! On the right a group of -well-built, brick pilots’ houses, on the mountain -slope, facing the sea. Heavy cumuli cover -the summits of the rocks; above, the sky is of -a pure blue, and the bright sun pours floods -of golden light over the landscape.</p> - -<p>On the left there is a church standing all -alone, the rendezvous of the fishermen who -inhabit the coast in summer.</p> - -<p>The sailors are getting ready the boat which -is to set us ashore, as there is no quay at -Tromsö, and the <i>Virgo</i> will remain at anchor -in the roads.</p> - -<p>The bay is getting narrower and villages -succeed each other, with telegraph lines on -both banks. Numerous Norwegian fishing -boats are ploughing the sea. The air is pure -and dry.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> glides majestically over the waves -like a large bird. The landscape becomes animated -and really fairy-like.</p> - -<p>At eleven o’clock we sight Tromsö with its<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -steeple, its wooden houses and villas rising in -tiers one above the other on the slope of a -very fertile mountain. The pilot is still -steering the <i>Virgo</i>. Objects appear larger -and more distinct; there is the harbour, with -its vessels at anchor.</p> - -<p>At ten minutes past one we arrive opposite -Tromsö. We drop anchor at about five furlongs -from the shore. As I have already -mentioned, there is no landing stage. We are -already surrounded by several boats. There -is M. Aagaard, the consul, coming to welcome -us. Then the telegraph messenger -appears, to hand Andrée a package of telegrams. -Lastly there are the friends of the -explorers, and the members of the Geological -Commission, who are going to travel with us -as far as the Ice-Fjord.</p> - -<p>We take a seat in a boat which puts us -ashore in a few minutes.</p> - -<p><i>June 14th.</i>—We left Tromsö at 1 a.m. in -splendid weather. The farewells of the inhabitants, -who came flocking in crowds to cheer -us, were very touching, and the <i>Virgo</i> resumed -her course towards the north.</p> - -<p>The sun was shining so brilliantly, as I have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> -said, that I could scarcely realize whether it -was midday or midnight.</p> - -<p>Although less solemn than at Gothenburg, -our departure was very imposing. The whole -town was assembled on the quays, and all the -boats of the port were formed in line to do us -homage. There were tourists in steam-launches -and fishing boats. In short, the whole populace -of Tromsö had made a point of being -there to wish us God-speed.</p> - -<p>In the boats there were many well-dressed -ladies; in one boat, in particular, there were -five females frantically waving their handkerchiefs -to the sailors.</p> - -<p>Then Tromsö receded into the background, -and will soon be nothing to us but a memory, -a vision looked back to with regret.</p> - -<p>Sunday passed without any incident. On -Monday night we fell in with the first icebergs, -and progress became more difficult.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus10"> -<img src="images/illus10.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span></p> -<p class="caption">DANSK-GATT.</p> -</div> - -<p><i>June 16th, noon.</i>—Since the morning we -have been running along the coast of Spitzbergen, -my future home, the place of my temporary -exile. The progress of the boat is slow -and perilous, in the midst of floating ice-blocks, -which threaten to crush us at every moment.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -It requires all the experience of the captain -and all the vigilance of the man at the wheel -to avoid a catastrophe.</p> - -<p>The ice pilot is on the look-out in the rigging, -and indicates by signal the open channels.</p> - -<p>We have seen a large number of birds, -whales throwing up an immense stream of -water, seals, etc. Three of these animals were -disporting themselves on an ice-floe within -gunshot. They were at once saluted by a -discharge of guns, which did not hit them.</p> - -<p>A variety of birds, very common in these -regions, among them the auk, or fulmar (a -kind of wild duck), which dives immediately -it is pursued. This is, moreover, the way in -which these birds seek their food, like all birds -of the polar regions, for they live on fish. The -steward of the vessel has just killed two with -one shot. These birds have a very clumsy -flight, their tail is very short, and it is only -with the aid of their web feet that they steer -themselves.</p> - -<p>Yesterday, while passing near the Isle of -Beeren-Eiland, which was hidden from our view -by the fog, we saw myriads of birds of all -kinds, among others a large number of sea-gulls.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span></p> - -<p>This morning the thermometer stood at 2° -above zero (Centigrade), 35·6 Fahr.</p> - -<p>There was hoar-frost all along the rigging, -and the sailors on the watch above cannot be -overwarm.</p> - -<p>We met a Norwegian sailing boat which -was hunting walrusses, and had been cruising -for several days in sight of Spitzbergen; they -gave us some useful hints as to the state of -the ice. Every now and then a sailor took -soundings; the depth was from 15 to 20 -fathoms.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> has just stopped her engines; -the officers are holding a council. We are -at the 76th degree of latitude, and we have -not much further to go in order to reach Ice-Fjord, -where we shall put in first before proceeding -to Norsk-Oarna.</p> - -<p>To the right the mountains covered with -eternal snow; in front of us an impassable ice-field. -There is an open passage near the -coast, but the captain does not know the depth -of water there. He is examining his charts. -We shall have to wait. However, I fear a -delay which will not suit Andrée.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">III<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Installation</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>Wednesday, June 17th, in lat. 77° -N.</i>—After having vainly sought a -passage during the whole of yesterday, -the captain considered it wise to take refuge -in the Horn-Sund Bay, a small natural port to -the south-east of Spitzbergen, where he cast -anchor this morning at four o’clock.</p> - -<p>Here we are secure from all danger, and -shall patiently wait till the sea is open, which -will not be long.</p> - -<p>Our little harbour is a marvel of creation; -a ring of mountains covered with snow, the -summits of which were this morning veiled in -mist. Immense glaciers, from which portions -detach themselves with a fearful crash, animate -this white landscape, while at the same time -they inspire us with a feeling of vague dread. -Gigantic icebergs, resembling in their shape -and bluish colour immense crystals of copperas,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -are drifting about in the middle of the -bay—a veritable oasis, where the temperature -is very mild, notwithstanding the snow which -covers the ground almost entirely.</p> - -<p>The sun is very hot, casting a golden reflection -over the whole of this charming picture, -which the birds enhance by their glad song, as -if to testify to their joy and love of life.</p> - -<p>At 9 a.m. we set foot on <i>terra firma</i> with -undisguised satisfaction. Andrée, Ekholm, and -Strindberg go ashore equipped with their instruments. -They fix our bearings and determine -the magnetic declination.</p> - -<p>In fact, they have been working incessantly -since we went to sea. They are true men of -science, in love with their work, learned, yet -making no show of their knowledge. The -geologists have found a vast field for their -researches, and the botanists have been able -to collect at their ease. However, while the -fauna is varied enough, the flora is very scanty, -being confined to a few lichens, with mosses -of a pretty green colour, cochlearias, and dwarf -saxifrages, the tiny violet flowers of which are -charming to behold.</p> - -<p>Some climbed the mountains and descended<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span> -the slopes on ski, the beloved snow-shoes of the -Scandinavian. Others went hunting with the -arms presented by Swedish armourers to the -Polar Expedition. As for myself, I was -content to admire this imposing nature, and -tried to utilise my modest talents as an amateur -photographer, in order to perpetuate on negatives -the splendid picture in which the <i>Virgo</i> -was set, now appearing reduced to Liliputian -proportions.</p> - -<p>Our general quarters were established on -the ruins of an encampment which had belonged -to a party of Siberian hunters who -spent the whole of last year on this spot.</p> - -<p>There are many fragments of driftwood cast -ashore by the waves, and numerous bones; -a sailor picked up an enormous vertebra of a -whale, and the doctor extracted a molar from -the jaw of a bear (the bear was no longer there -to protest).</p> - -<p>The pilot went to explore the sea from the -top of the mountains. No change this morning -in the state of the ice.</p> - -<p>We reassembled on the <i>Virgo</i> for lunch at -two o’clock. Andrée went in the ship’s boat to -shoot seals, but without hitting any. After<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> -lunch we returned to the shore, and each of us -occupied himself according to his taste. The -sky cleared up, and a very cold and cutting east -wind arose. The boat was tossed about a -good deal as we returned, and the current -drove before it all the pieces of ice floating in -the bay. At 11.30 p.m., at the moment when -I am writing these lines, a sun-ray is falling -through my porthole, and the wind is whistling -with some violence.</p> - -<p><i>Saturday, June 20th, 4 a.m.</i>—Pleasant -awakening at the mouth of the Bay of Ice-Fjord, -opposite the <i>Raftsund</i>, which has been -at anchor since last night.</p> - -<p>Weather dull, a fine cold rain. A boat -comes towards us, bringing a correspondent of -the paper <i>Aftonbladet</i>, of Stockholm, who is to -accompany us to Norsk-Oarna.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus11"> -<img src="images/illus11.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span></p> -<p class="caption">ARRIVAL OF A GENERATOR.</p> -</div> - -<p>A small boat brings my friend Vieillard, who -is the bearer of despatches for me. We spend -two hours together, and my joy is great at seeing -him again, and at last hearing news from -my family. Then the moment of parting -comes. M. Vieillard rejoins his vessel in order -to return to France; he takes with him my -letters and despatches. I take several negatives<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> -of the <i>Raftsund</i>, a splendid boat; and the -<i>Virgo</i> then continues her course towards the -north, after having exchanged the customary -salutes.</p> - -<p>The sea is free from ice, and the <i>Virgo</i> is -now going ahead full speed.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 21st.</i>—Towards 2 a.m. we arrive in -sight of the Norsk-Oarna Islands, the place -intended for the erection of the shed and the -future centre of our operations.</p> - -<p>During the morning we take a reconnoitring -trip by boat round the islands in order to find -a favourable place, accessible to our vessel, the -unloading of which will be very difficult in the -absence of a landing quay and all the plant -usually available in any port.</p> - -<p>The charts which we possess of this region -are very inaccurate. Andrée takes a survey of -several points of the coast. The huntsmen in -the boat bagged about ten eider-geese. We -gave up the idea of establishing ourselves here, -and in the afternoon we reached the Isle of -Amsterdam, 7½ miles to the south-west.</p> - -<p>The sky is clear, the air is keen and cutting.</p> - -<p><i>Monday morning.</i>—The three explorers<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> -made a fresh survey, and Andrée finally decided -on the little vale of Dansk-Gatt as the -point where we are to establish ourselves.</p> - -<p>The place is sheltered on all sides by high -mountains, opening out to the north only upon -the open sea. A wooden hut, formerly constructed -by an Englishman, Mr. Pike, will -serve us as a shelter, and we shall leave there -the surplus of our reserve store of provisions. -This hospitable little house already possesses a -depôt of preserved provisions, coal, and various -articles. The ground is strewn with pieces of -rock and covered with snow, into which one -sinks up to one’s knees.</p> - -<p><i>Tuesday, June 23rd.</i>—At 6 a.m. the vessel -began to unload; all the boats are out at sea. -The <i>Virgo</i> cannot approach nearer than within -164 yards of the bank. The disembarkation of -the balloon and the gas plant will present very -serious difficulties, and will certainly take up -much precious time.</p> - -<p>Thermometer 2° (35·6 Fahr.) above freezing -point. Barometer 29·92 inches. Wind south-west, -fresh. Sky cloudy, clear patches at rare -intervals. Sun very hot. Sea calm. The -steam launch has got up steam. Mr. Pike’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> -yacht came to visit the house on the 16th inst. -This little structure, built entirely of wood like -the Norwegian houses, is comfortable enough; -it contains a dining-room, bed-rooms, and a -kitchen. There are stoves in all the rooms, and -our sailors have lighted them in order to dry -the walls; the lock shuts badly, and the door is -kept to with a piece of ice. The garret serves -excellently as a dove-cot, and we install our -pigeons there, but they will not be so comfortable -there as in their ordinary pigeon-house; -nevertheless, it will be a convenient shelter for -them. These pigeons have been trained at -Hammerfest. We have already despatched -several while at sea, but do not know yet -whether they have returned to Norway.</p> - -<p><i>Wednesday, June 24th.</i>—The unloading of -the vessel proceeds rapidly. The site for the -shed is ready, and the carpenters are starting -work.</p> - -<p>This shed, intended to shelter the balloon, -deserves special mention. Designed in a very -ingenious manner, it was erected at Gothenburg, -where the inhabitants of the town could inspect -it before it was dismantled for shipment. It is -of octagonal shape, and consists of four storeys,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> -each measuring 196·8545 inches in height. -The various storeys are joined to each other by -means of bolts; the last storey is surmounted by -a balcony all round.</p> - -<p>In order to facilitate re-erection in Spitzbergen, -the component parts of each storey are -marked with marks of different colour. The -floor of the shed is composed of timber work, -all meeting in the centre, and made fast on the -rocks with pieces of wood, for the ground is -very irregular, and it is impossible to level -it.</p> - -<p>On the east and west sides, two staircases -lead to the balcony, and at the same time serve -to strengthen the structure.</p> - -<p>The re-erection of this shed at Dane’s Island -was very laborious. It was carried out with -much skill by the two master carpenters, assisted -by the crew.</p> - -<p>It was necessary, first of all, to remove the -snow which covered the ground, to lay foundations, -and join together the beams, which were -put up and shifted by means of a hand-winch -placed in the centre of the structure, and slewing -all round.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus12"> -<img src="images/illus12.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></p> -<p class="caption">ARRIVAL OF A GAS GENERATOR.</p> -</div> - -<p>The work was frequently interfered with by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> -storms, which compelled the carpenters to interrupt -their task.</p> - -<p>The framework, when once put up, was -closed in with large panels of wood prepared -in Sweden.</p> - -<p>The upper part of the shed is carried up -on the south side, above the rest of the -structure, by means of beams 16 feet 4 inches -high, carrying a canvas cover, intended to protect -the top of the balloon against a violent -wind.</p> - -<p>A movable roof or canvas awning, sliding -on wire cables, was intended to protect the -balloon against snow. Unfortunately time did -not permit of putting it up in position.</p> - -<p><i>June 26th.</i>—In the morning the sun appeared; -the sky is very clear, and the snow is -slowly melting. The temperature is pleasant -to-day; but now, in the afternoon, the cirri are -approaching, and I believe that the fine weather -will not last long.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i>, relieved of part of its cargo, was -able to get within 66 yards of the shore. The -crew then proceeded to discharge the heavy -packages, hydrogen generators, and the case -containing the balloon. The three ship’s boats,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span> -coupled together, were made up into a kind of -raft, hauled by the steam launch.</p> - -<p>In order to bring ashore these packages, -which weighed from two to three tons, it was -found necessary to form a roadway (or a kind -of inclined plane), with the aid of two large -pine logs brought from Norway, and to haul -them by means of a pulley tackle drawn by the -whole of the crew.</p> - -<p>One is struck with the calm and intense -stillness which reigns in these regions remote -from all civilization. The mountain birds alone -break its monotony, and give us a joyous -concert.</p> - -<p>In roaming over the islands, one is surprised -at the number of tumuli and human remains to -be met with. This is because Spitzbergen, too, -has its history, and that a rather troubled one; -but we will not speak of it here.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">IV<br /> -<span class="smaller">The <i>Victoria</i>—Bear Hunting</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>On the 27th of June, in the afternoon, our -attention is attracted by the arrival of a -vessel coming from the north. It is always a -pleasant event to come across other navigators -in these distant regions; it makes one feel less -lonely and isolated. It is Mr. Pick’s <i>Victoria</i>, -commanded by Captain Nilson, who hunts bears -and seals on these shores. She casts anchor -near the <i>Virgo</i>. We enter a boat and go to -welcome the travellers.</p> - -<p>Andrée obtains some information from the -captain as to the state of the ice in the north. -I pay a visit to the boat, which, though otherwise -plain and rough, is nevertheless fitted up -to perfection for the peculiar nature of her expeditions. -She contains various objects which -are not without interest for me, who am a new-comer -to these regions, such as skins of bears -and various birds; also a live young bear,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -captured at the Norwegian islands, which utters -ominous growls, and seems to protest energetically -against this outrage upon its liberty.</p> - -<p>Sunday, the 28th of June, was an eventful -day, and full of emotions. The <i>Victoria</i> left -at 9 a.m. for Ice-Fjord, taking with her an -enormous parcel of letters, with our best wishes -for our nearest and dearest.</p> - -<p>After an early lunch we started for an excursion. -Strindberg, Grumberg, Arrhénius, Dr. -Ekelund, two engineers, two sailors, and myself, -went off in the steam launch.</p> - -<p>The weather was superb, the sea calm, the -sky a little misty; some pretty cumuli touched -the summits of the mountains. We steamed -round Dane’s Island, and shaped our course -towards Smeerenburg.</p> - -<p>Our little boat goes ahead full speed, and -gives herself up to a mad race among floating -ice-blocks which cover the surface of the bay.</p> - -<p>The spectacle is marvellous. We are surrounded -by imposing rocks, whence the snow -descends in capricious veins and furrows, and -whose craggy summits, gilded by a glowing sun, -are set off against an azure sky of exceeding -purity. These granite rocks, of grotesque and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> -erratic shape, throw the most fantastic shadows -upon the white surface of the glaciers.</p> - -<p>The atmosphere is so transparent that it is -very difficult to estimate distances merely by -the eye. The mountains are from 2,000 to -3,000 feet high, and yet at first sight one -would think that they are very easy to climb. -I have very often been misled by this optical -illusion. Sounds can be heard very clearly at -a great distance.</p> - -<p>We cross the course of the little sailing boat -of Stadling, the correspondent of the Stockholm -<i>Aftonbladet</i>, and the colombophile of the -polar expedition.</p> - -<p>He is also starting on a journey of discovery, -together with two companions.</p> - -<p>We take our course towards the east, and -land on a little islet covered with moss.</p> - -<p>Our guns bring down several eider-geese, -and on setting foot ashore we came across -several nests of these birds, containing three -or four eggs of the size of goose eggs and of -a greyish-green colour.</p> - -<p>But our survey is soon made, and we -resume our course in a south-easterly direction, -where we can already see the outline of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span> -Isle of Moffen, which is the goal of our excursion.</p> - -<p>This isle presents a singular contrast with -the surrounding mountains, owing to the vigour -of its colouring, which changes from a light-green -to a dark-brown.</p> - -<p>The mosses of different varieties, interspersed -with yellowish lichens and saxifrages of a -delicate violet tint, offer us a soft carpet, inviting -to rest, and delighting to the eye.</p> - -<p>Thousands of birds, making a deafening noise, -inhabit this enchanted land.</p> - -<p>But their tranquillity is disturbed by our -prosaic and insatiable hunters, who give themselves -up to a veritable hecatomb of game. -They have scarcely got ashore, and about -one hundred eider-geese are already lying on -the ground. They are so numerous and so unsuspecting -that they will scarcely move away -more than a few yards from us; one can easily -see that their solitude is rarely disturbed by -visitors of our species, or at least of an equally -bellicose character.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus13"> -<img src="images/illus13.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE <i>EXPRESS</i>, THE <i>ERLINE JARL</i>, THE <i>VIRGO</i>, DEPARTURE OF THE <i>VICTORIA</i>.</p> -</div> - -<p>They much resemble our domestic ducks, -and one might easily imagine one’s self in the -midst of a park or a poultry yard. At one<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span> -moment I had about ten around me, come to -drink or bathe in a little brook of clear water, -which babbled in a cascade over the moss -and pebbles.</p> - -<p>At every step one comes across a nest made -of moss and feathers, sheltered by a fragment -of rock. The female bird has plucked off her -softest down to protect her eggs or her brood -against the frost. The brooding bird is -scarcely disturbed by our approach. She -covers up her eggs and hides them under the -down before taking her flight, if she is given -time to do so. The reports of the gun repeated -again and again by the echo reverberating -from the mountains resemble the rolling -of thunder and make a hideous din.</p> - -<p>At four o’clock, a lunch, highly appreciated, -is served out on a bank of moss. This meal, -partaken with vigorous appetite, consists of -ham, caviar, and slices of smoked reindeer-flesh; -the whole being washed down with light -beer, and seasoned by the most unrestrained -gaiety. A pure Havannah cigar completes this -most unconventional feast.</p> - -<p>We fill our lungs with the pure air, and -feel it a joy to live.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span></p> - -<p>But time glides swiftly by, and we must think -of returning. We are two hours’ journey from -the <i>Virgo</i>.</p> - -<p>Our sailors make an extensive raid upon the -nests, and return loaded with baskets full of -eggs and down. The game is put on board -and we depart.</p> - -<p>As we run along, the coast and glaciers are -covered with seals, but the noise of our engine -frightens them and they flee at our approach.</p> - -<p>The sea has become rough, and the wind, -which takes us port, sends up waves which -threaten to swamp the boat. We are much -tossed about, but I can now stand the rolling -of the vessel like an old mariner. However, -we must not boast: one cannot be too sure of -anything. The temperature has gone down -perceptibly, and the cumuli, which a short time -ago were hovering on the sides of the mountains, -are now lowering down upon the sea, -and soon envelop us completely. We are -now in the midst of a very dense and cold fog. -We can scarcely see a few yards in front of us, -and we must slacken speed in order to avoid -collision with the icebergs detached from the -glaciers. The sun, which, a moment ago, still<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span> -showed very feebly, has completely disappeared. -We are plunged into utter darkness, -and in spite of compass and charts we have, -for the moment, lost our bearings. What a -change, after the aspect of the sky a short -while ago! The engineer whistles by way of -a call to the <i>Virgo</i>, but there is no response -from that vessel.</p> - -<p>Without being actually desperate, our situation -is becoming critical, as we no longer know -exactly what distance we have covered.</p> - -<p>We run a risk of passing our island without -perceiving it, and of getting lost at sea!</p> - -<p>At last, after several detours, we recognise -the lagoons of the Isle of Amsterdam on the -right, and soon a sailor points out the <i>Virgo</i>, -which looms in the semi-darkness at a distance -of fifty yards or so in front of us.</p> - -<p>At this moment it is 8 p.m. The captain, -Andrée, and Ekholm are on the deck. Without -being alarmed at our fate, they were glad -enough to see us back again; but Stadling’s -boat has not yet come back.</p> - -<p>The mist becomes thicker and thicker, and -one can scarcely see from one end of the vessel -to the other. One of the crew is ringing the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> -bell every few moments, in order to indicate the -route to the three belated tourists. The supper -passes off very gaily. Each recounts his adventures -and describes his impressions; mine have -been of a very lively nature. But the day had -still a far more remarkable event in store for us.</p> - -<p>We were beginning to be rather troubled -about the fate of our friends, when at about 10 -p.m., having gone up on to the gangway to see -how the fog was, I heard, very faintly at first, -a murmuring sound, then a song keeping time -with the splash of oars. No doubt it is they; -evidently they, too, have lost their way.</p> - -<p>The outline of the gallant little craft appears -a few yards away, and the boat comes on propelled -by oars, as they had been compelled to -take down their sail. But what is that shapeless -mass, of a doubtful white, spotted with red, -which fills the bottom of the boat?</p> - -<p>Although worn out with fatigue, the excursionists -are radiant; they have performed -veritable prodigies: they have been bear-hunting, -and bring back three dead bears in -their frail boat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus14"> -<img src="images/illus14.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span></p> -<p class="caption">DANES ISLAND.</p> -</div> - -<p>They are at once the object of an enthusiastic -ovation, while the animals—a large she-bear<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span> -and two cubs—are hoisted on board, leaving -a pool of blood in the bottom of the little boat.</p> - -<p>You already know Stadling, permit me to -introduce his two companions—Appelberg, -engineering student of the Stockholm technical -school, and Axel Stack, chemical engineer at -the Stockholm University—and let the first-named -gentleman recount in his own words -the circumstances of this somewhat dramatic -adventure:—</p> - -<p>“You will remember the charming day we -had on the 28th of June; the sun glistened on the -waters of Smeerenburg as on a mirror, the surrounding -mountains enhancing the wildness and -grandeur of the scene. You will also remember -the glacier at the bottom of Smeerenburg. I have -told you about the adventure we had opposite -this glacier, when in consequence of a sudden -split a detached mass of enormous size produced -in the sea an immense wave, which threatened -to engulph our small boat and gave us an -unexpected douche.</p> - -<p>“Immediately after this adventure I hastened -to take a photo of the glacier. While searching -for a suitable point, I discovered in the snow<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> -on the shore the track of three bears going -from east to west, in the direction of South-Gatt -and the open sea. Having informed my -companions of this lucky find, I returned to the -boat, followed by my friends, one of whom was -gravely engaged in drying his clothes in the -sun, after the enforced bath caused by the -splitting of the glacier.</p> - -<p>“Thereupon a rather original chase commenced; -my companions rowed, whilst I held -the rudder lines, at the same time observing -through my glasses the tracks on the bank and -following their direction. The tracks of the -bears led us continually from east to west. -Here and there the animals evidently had rested -in some natural trenches formed in the snow. -In other places there were sloping grooves -on the bank, where the bears had amused -themselves by sliding on these natural sledges. -Having passed two promontories and a very old -glacier, we arrived at a third promontory, beyond -which there was another glacier about 1¼ -mile wide. In front of it there was an iceberg.</p> - -<p>“When we arrived at the extreme point of -the promontory, we stopped, as no further -tracks were visible; from this we concluded<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> -that the bears must be somewhere in the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p>“Having reconnoitred as far as the firm ice, -protected by large icebergs, I perceived the -bears below the glacier, jumping one after another -from a block of ice. The mother, followed -by her cubs, was giving herself up to this -exercise either to amuse herself or to give her -young ones a lesson in gymnastics,—I do not -know which.</p> - -<p>“At any rate I watched with curiosity for -some moments this scene of ursine family life. -It was an exceedingly curious sight, I assure -you. But this patriarchal and rustic scene was -destined soon to come to an end, thanks to the -huntsman’s instinct which suddenly awoke -within me. I felt bound, at all cost, to kill this -interesting family, the mother and her cubs. -Why? Who can reason with passion, who can -reason with a hunter! Without further idle -reflection, and as the chief of a gang who has -resolved upon an immediate attack on a long-desired -prey, I ordered my comrades to remain -in the boat until I returned, and on my knees I -crept over the ice, behind the fragments of -rocks, towards the three animals. This ice was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> -perforated like a sieve, and the water fell from -it in small cascades with a continuous and -monotonous noise; small fragments were -detaching themselves from it every moment, -without, however, retarding my progress.</p> - -<p>“Regardless of all risk, I continued to drag -myself along behind fragments of rocks and -approached to within about 430 yards of my -quarry. Now I had no longer any shelter; I -was exposed to view. Then I took a long -aim, fired and wounded one of the cubs. The -mother rushed towards it, sometimes looking -about her, and sometimes licking the poor -beast.</p> - -<p>“I could see her very closely with my -glasses. I fired a second time, and the mother -then turned furiously towards me. My cartridges -had got damp and missed fire. I -became nervous. I was obliged to go and -fetch fresh ammunition from the boat. The -she-bear gave up her first idea of attacking -me and returned to her cubs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus15"> -<img src="images/illus15.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span></p> -<p class="caption">SMEERENBURG GLACIER.</p> -</div> - -<p>“Then, having taken fresh ammunition, we -commenced, all three of us, to drive the animals -towards the open water, and at last, to -our delight, saw the mother, followed by her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -cubs, start swimming. Mr. Stack remained on -the ice armed with an oar, in order to cut off -their retreat; Appelberg and myself gave chase -from the boat. The she-bear, with one of the -cubs on her back, swam at a fairly good pace -towards us. We had scarcely had time to row -three or four minutes before the mother had -climbed upon a large block of ice floating in -the midst of the open water. Having approached -to within fifty or sixty yards I fired -again, and my bullet striking the bear between -the two shoulders, passed through her lungs. -The animal uttered a terrible cry, which was -re-echoed from the mountains. In a great -fury she threw herself into the sea, swimming -towards us with rage, but only for a few -moments. The poor beast soon died, still -carrying on her back the cub which I had first -wounded. It was at once killed, and the other -immediately afterwards.</p> - -<p>“We thereupon dragged the animals towards -the ice-bank, where I photographed my -victims, stretched out lifeless; and it was not -without much difficulty that we succeeded in -putting them aboard our frail boat. At last we -started on our return to the <i>Virgo</i>, still full of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span> -excitement, when suddenly we were caught in -the fog in the midst of the Smeerenburg -waters.”</p> - -<p>The next day the ice pilot, an old sea-dog, -assisted by Stadling, proceeded to cut up the -three animals, the skins of which were salted, -and enclosed in barrels; after this the most -delicate morsels, seasoned with various sauces -by the cook, who displayed all her talents, -adorned the table at several meals. Without -being absolutely exquisite, the dish is appetising, -and besides, the chance of dining off polar -bear does not occur very often.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">V<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Midnight Sun</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>Friday, July 3rd.</i>—I have not put foot -on shore to-day. For three days past we -have had terrible weather, and I wonder -whether the shed will be able to resist the fury -of such a wind. However, this is an east -south-east wind, which would suit perfectly well -for the voyage, though the start would be very -difficult under these circumstances; this delays -the work of the carpenters, and the shed does -not rise up very quickly. I felt very dull to-day, -and was happy enough to read again all -the old journals which had served for packing -purposes, as I am not very well stocked with -works of a purely literary character, a few -volumes only composing my whole library. I -also read again the expedition of the <i>Jeannette</i>, -which Andrée had lent me, and the dramatic<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span> -episodes of that story were not calculated to -raise my spirits. What an extraordinary -climate!</p> - -<p>In these regions fine days are very rare, -though it is clear all night; but for a long -time past the sun has scarcely been seen. The -thermometer remains near freezing-point.</p> - -<p>But the midnight sun! What a never-to-be-forgotten -spectacle is presented by this polar -sea in these radiant nights!</p> - -<p>As soon as the fog lifts its veil, leaving the -eye at full liberty to roam over the horizon, -one sees an endless succession of palaces of ice, -strong castles, cathedrals, and fantastical structures, -some majestically indifferent to the waves -which caress their mighty bases, the others -slowly rocking to and fro, notwithstanding -their ponderous masses, and at each oscillation -of their sparkling faces emitting from their -alabaster sides rocket-like flashes of emeralds, -rubies, and sapphires.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus16"> -<img src="images/illus16.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE <i>VIRGO</i>, AMSTERDAM ISLAND.</p> -</div> - -<p>Numerous cascades pour down from the vast -sides of these icebergs into basins formed in the -very bases of these enormous ice-mountains, -subsequently losing themselves in the waters -of the sea; and all these waterfalls, large<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span> -and small, are lit up by the hot, red rays of a -brilliant sun.</p> - -<p>This polar nature, which one imagines to be -so poor, so icy, so inert, in regions which we -only know from dull and cold narratives of voyages,—this -wonderful nature lavishly spreads -out before my eyes the sight of an endless -mass of sparkling and flashing diamonds, a -veritable pyrotechnic display of another world, -which the rays of the sun cause to burst forth, -and change twenty times in a minute.</p> - -<p>And all this, like a sublime jewel casket, -rests on velvet of an unheard-of variety, delicate -green, pale pink, orange red, crimson, -bright red, purple, golden yellow, violet, sky-blue, -a marvellous velvet of deep soft and -delicately shaded tints, which the calm and -irradiated water seems to spread out for the -greater delight of the eye and the soul.</p> - -<p>In the presence of all this grand and mighty -nature, what becomes of man’s most ingenious -artifices invented to charm by the excess of -accumulated marvels?</p> - -<p>How paltry are the most superb decorations -of his theatres compared with what one sees -here—here where the water alone and the sun<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> -undertake the <i>mise en scène</i>! What are all the -marvels hatched by his brain, by his sovereign -industry, in the presence of miracles of colouring -and brilliancy engendered by a ray of light -penetrating a fragment of ice?</p> - -<p><i>Tuesday, July 7th.</i>—We had very bad -weather on Saturday; on Sunday the atmosphere -calmed down a little, and yesterday -(Monday) we had a splendid day. We took -advantage of this to make an interesting -excursion in the steam launch to Magdaleina -Bay. The peninsula contains an immense -necropolis, dating back several centuries; it -is here that the whalers of Smeerenburg came -to bury their dead.</p> - -<p>We killed a very large seal, which nearly -caused the boat to capsize when we got him on -board. Strindberg killed a black fox at the -foot of a glacier.</p> - -<p>We returned at midnight in brilliant sunshine; -in fact, at present we constantly see the -sun when the sky is clear. He is describing a -circle, of which the <i>Virgo</i> appears to be the -centre, and the sunshine is sometimes very hot. -This morning the temperature was 68° Fahr. -in the sun, and 41° Fahr. in the shade.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span></p> - -<p>The work of erecting the shed is being -pushed on as quickly as possible, but it is a -gigantic task. To-day they have reached -the second storey; there are to be two more -storeys above that, and these are the most -difficult ones to erect.</p> - -<p>In the midst of this feverish work the days -pass anxiously by, for I have had no news from -Europe. I am already much perturbed, when -at last, on the night of July 12th, after a very -dull day, the watch all at once signals the arrival -of a small sloop, which is sure to bring our mail. -In a few moments everybody is on deck, and -the captain of the small boat, the <i>Express</i>, -hands us an enormous bundle of letters, which -Andrée distributes among us. I received -fourteen, and it would be difficult for me to -express the joy I felt at this moment.</p> - -<p>The <i>Express</i> brings six English and German -tourists, who have come, somewhat early, to be -present at the departure of the balloon. They -are received on board the <i>Virgo</i>, and evince a -very lively interest in Andrée’s project.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">VI<br /> -<span class="smaller">National Fête</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>On board the “Virgo,” July 14th, at night.</i>—The -bad weather continues, and the -squall is so violent that the little sloop -<i>Express</i> has been unable to put to sea. We -have a very gay lunch. Andrée made a little -speech, which greatly moved me. He spoke of -the national fête in France and of aerostation, -which I represent. He praised the self-denial -which I had exhibited, and finally expressed to -me the pleasure he felt in seeing the bonds of -friendship becoming closer day by day. He -did not forget either family or friends.</p> - -<p>The captain ordered the French <i>tricolore</i> to -be hoisted on the mainmast and the ship to -be dressed with bunting. Champagne sparkled -in the glasses.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus17"> -<img src="images/illus17.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span></p> -<p class="caption">ARRIVAL OF THE CAR.</p> -</div> - -<p>Strindberg played the national air, and those -present overwhelmed me with kind attentions. -The following letter will give an idea of the -close friendship which reigned amongst us:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="right">“On Board the <i>Virgo</i>, Dansk-Gatt,<br /> -<i>July 14th, 1896.</i></p> - -<p class="noindent">“To <span class="smcap">Madame Lachambre</span>, Paris.</p> - -<p class="noindent">“<span class="smcap">Dear Madame</span>,—</p> - -<p>“To-day being the national <i>fête</i> -day of your native country, <i>la belle France</i>, -we gladly seized the welcome opportunity -to present to M. Lachambre our sincere -thanks for the great services which he has -rendered to our expedition by the careful and -excellent work which he has executed, and for -his personal attendance here in order to give us -the benefit of his valuable experience. Certainly, -this voyage has been a great sacrifice, both for -you and for him, and it is, therefore, our duty -to thank you as well as M. Lachambre.</p> - -<p>“We have this day drunk the health of -M. and Madame Lachambre, at the same time -hoisting the tricolour and singing the ‘Marseillaise.’ -On this occasion Andrée has had -the honour of fixing on M. Lachambre’s breast -the decoration of the Academical Palms, and -we have congratulated him with enthusiasm on -receiving this well-merited distinction.</p> - -<p>“We beg you will rest assured, Dear -Madame, that we are doing our best to minimise<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span> -the inconveniences resulting to M. Lachambre -from a life in these very inhospitable regions.</p> - -<p>“We are, Dear Madame,</p> - -<p class="center">“Yours most respectfully,</p> - -<div class="right"> -<p class="noindent">(Signed) “<span class="smcap">S. A. Andrée</span>; <span class="smcap">Nils -Ekholm</span>; <span class="smcap">Nils Strindberg</span>; -<span class="smcap">Zachau</span>, captain of -the <i>Virgo</i>; <span class="smcap">Goste Grumberg</span>, -zoologist; <span class="smcap">Carl Ekelund</span>, -physician; <span class="smcap">Svante -Arrhénius</span>, hydrographer.”</p> -</div> - -</div> - -<p>And while Strindberg strummed on his -violin the most poetical and impassioned -Swedish tunes, the wind raged outside and -the vessel rocked and creaked fearfully.</p> - -<p><i>Dansk-Gatt, on board the “Virgo,” July 16th, -noon.</i>—The storm, after calming down for a -short time, burst forth again last night with -renewed violence, and the <i>Express</i>, which left -at eight, was obliged to return in haste some -hours afterwards to take shelter near the <i>Virgo</i>.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> is a strong vessel, capable of -braving a storm, but it is otherwise with the -small sloop, which already has barely escaped -shipwreck in coming here.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">VII<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Inflation</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>July 21st.</i>—To-day for the first time we -were able to commence devoting our attention -to the balloon, which, since its disembarkation, -has remained enclosed in its case at -the foot of the shed.</p> - -<p>It is now brought to the entrance and -extended on the floor, covered with a thick -layer of felt.</p> - -<p>It is spread out after the manner of a cast-net, -the valves are fitted to it, together with -their rigging, the net is placed in position, as -well as the protecting cover.</p> - -<p>The inflating pipes, passing through an -opening made in the middle of the floor, are -joined to the gas apparatus situated 87 yards -away below the shed, behind Pike House.</p> - -<p>This very difficult work (the envelope alone -of the balloon weighs nearly 3,086 lbs., and -the net 992 lbs.) was finished in the evening<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span> -of the 22nd, in a fine and penetrating rain. -On the morning of the 23rd snow commenced -to fall in large flakes. The balloon is covered -by it with a thick layer, when about a hundred -cubic feet of gas commence to raise with difficulty -the heavy envelope of silk. This operation -commences even before the shed is quite -finished. Part of the upper enclosures is still -wanting, and Andrée abandons the idea of -having the canvas awning put up, which, however, -would have been very useful; but time -presses, and every delay may jeopardize the -departure.</p> - -<p>The car, installed in an annex to the shed, -is marvellously devised. The lower part is -completely surrounded with sailcloth. It receives -its light through two lateral windows. -The middle is occupied by a kind of mattress, -covered with a sleeping sack of reindeer skins.</p> - -<p>All around are compartments for holding -books, charts, and instruments, toilet articles, -and the kitchen utensils, arms, ammunition, etc. -It is entered through a trap-door made in the -ceiling. Above, at a height of one metre, a -ring, mounted on jointed railings, which -keep it in a horizontal position, forms a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span> -balcony, in the centre of which two of the -explorers will remain while the third is resting. -To this circle the instruments,—compasses, -sextants, theodolites, barometers, thermometers, -photographic appliances, etc., are attached.</p> - -<p>The six ropes, by which the car is suspended, -are joined at the upper part by a -cable, which brings them nearer to the centre, -while keeping them away from the balcony; -they then extend from this hexagon towards -the suspension ring, which is fastened to the -net.</p> - -<p>Six canvas pockets, with compartments, are -fixed between the suspending ropes from the -ceiling of the car up to the balcony, for the reception -of any articles or instruments which the -aeronauts may require to have at hand at -any moment.</p> - -<p>The load ring carries a table or board -divided into compartments occupied by four -baskets intended to hold a number of accessories, -buoys, grapnels, ropes, etc.</p> - -<p>In the centre of the platform a square -opening leaves room for a rope ladder, attached -to the appendage of the balloon, and -facilitates the inspection of the interior through<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -windows let into the safety valve. This platform -may, if necessary, serve as a refuge for -the aeronauts, should they be compelled to -abandon the car.</p> - -<p>The load ring supports a differential pulley -for moving the guide-ropes, the action of -which, combined with that of the sail, is to -afford the possibility of a certain deviation -from the direction of the wind.</p> - -<p>The sails are fixed to the net by hemp -straps.</p> - -<p>The three guide-ropes are attached to this -pulley by a very ingenious piece of mechanism. -With the aid of a crank and a bevel gear, -the guide-ropes, which are composed of several -sections joined to each other by screw connections, -can be turned. Should the end of -a guide-rope get caught between the ice to -such an extent as to arrest the flight of the -balloon, the aeronauts can release themselves -by exerting an effect of torsion on this guide-rope -by means of the crank, and abandoning -the length of rope caught; a fresh length -of guide-rope will then be added at the top -if necessary, making use of spare lengths of -rope.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus18"> -<img src="images/illus18.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span></p> -<p class="caption">AN EXCURSION TO MAGDALEINA BAY.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span></p> - -<p>In order to prevent the guide-ropes becoming -detached at an inopportune moment, -Andrée has devised the plan of providing a -spring consisting of a flat piece of steel which -exerts a pressure upon the connecting screw -nut; the pressure of these springs is graduated, -increasing upwards, so that it will always be -the lowest length of rope which will detach -itself first. These guide-ropes are impregnated -with vaseline, which renders them insubmersible -and greatly facilitates their gliding -over the ice.</p> - -<p>Above the ring, victuals and provisions of -all kinds are stored in canvas bags divided -into compartments and strongly fastened between -the suspending ropes; all the articles -are fixed so that no shock can throw them out.</p> - -<p>The number of suspending ropes is forty-eight, -forming forty-eight equal intervals, of -which thirty-six are occupied by bags of provisions, -and twelve by sledges, boats, spars, etc.</p> - -<p>The provisions comprise tins of preserved -food of all kinds, chocolate, compressed bread, -condensed milk, champagne, claret, alcohol, -fresh water, not forgetting butter, an indispensable -article of diet in the polar regions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span></p> - -<p>All these bags are weighed, classified, and -labelled, and make up a weight of 2,204 lbs. -What is not consumed will serve as ballast, -Andrée having considered it more practical to -carry provisions in place of ballast.</p> - -<p>The apparatus for cooking the food consists -of a cylinder suspended by a strap 32 feet -6 inches in length, along which a rubber tube -runs; inside the cylinder a spirit lamp is -lighted by being brought in contact with a -match ignited with the aid of a small and -very simple contrivance worked by a cord.</p> - -<p>A small cooking pot filled with water, -and enclosed in the cylinder, can be made to -boil in a few moments. The lamp can be -extinguished from the car by blowing down -the rubber tube, and a mirror, arranged at an -angle of 45 degrees, enables the occupants -of the car to see whether the lamp is well -extinguished before hoisting the apparatus up -into the car.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">VIII<br /> -<span class="smaller">The <i>Erline Jarl</i></span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>Dansk-Gatt, July 23rd.</i>—The south -wind, which has blown almost constantly -since our arrival at Dansk-Gatt, ceased -on the 19th of July, and north and north-easterly -winds are now blowing, with their -usual accompaniment of rain or snow.</p> - -<p>The gas-working apparatus acts very regularly, -yielding about 78 cubic yards per hour.</p> - -<p>The work is divided into spells of six hours -at a time, the first watch, from 8 a.m. to 2 -p.m., being entrusted to me. I am assisted -by two seamen only, one of whom speaks -French fairly well,—viz., a Mr. Knos, engineer, -who has signed for the voyage. My place is -then taken by Strindberg, who, in his turn, is -relieved by Andrée, whom I succeed again.</p> - -<p>At 11 p.m. the sound of a siren breaks the -stillness of the night, awakening the echoes of -the mountains. I then see the <i>Erline Jarl</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> -a splendid boat, flying the Norwegian flag, -coming on slowly and majestically, in order to -cast anchor at some distance from the <i>Virgo</i>.</p> - -<p>Around the place where the sulphates and -residues of the hydrogen apparatus discharge -into the sea, the sea-water has assumed a rusty -colour for a distance of several miles. This -peculiarity causes great astonishment among -the new arrivals, who imagine that they can -see the sea-bottom.</p> - -<p>Captain Zachau, of the <i>Virgo</i>, goes to welcome -the new-comers, and returns on board his -vessel with a load of letters for our crew.</p> - -<p>The snow falls thicker and thicker, and the -shed does not afford the least protection. I -have a kind of sentry-box rigged up for me in -the packing-case for the net of the balloon.</p> - -<p>We experienced much difficulty at the commencement -of the inflation, and I am frequently -compelled to obtain assistance from the gas -works, the material of the balloon being so -very heavy to shift about.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus19"> -<img src="images/illus19.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span></p> -<p class="caption">SOLAR OBSERVATIONS AT MAGDALEINA BAY.</p> -</div> - -<p>I may mention one incident in particular. -The balloon had already absorbed 1,308 cubic -yards of gas, when the apparatus suddenly -stopped and absolutely refused to act, which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span> -caused great excitement among the members -of the expedition. What does it mean? Here -is the solution of the enigma.</p> - -<p>The pump, which draws its supply from the -sea, has taken up such a quantity of shrimps -that all the cocks are choked up. We scarcely -expected to see shrimps interfere in this matter.</p> - -<p>Andrée, who had thought of everything else, -had forgotten to reckon with these diminutive -factors. The generators and valves are cleared -out and cleaned, and the suction pipe is fitted -with a rose, whereupon work goes on without -any further hitch.</p> - -<p>For the production of the hydrogen 55,115 -lbs. of sulphuric acid and 33,069 lbs. of iron -shavings have been used. All that chemistry -and physical science has hitherto produced by -way of purifying, weighing, and testing instruments -is embodied in Andrée’s plant.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 24th of July the -tourists brought over by the <i>Erline Jarl</i> begin -to arrive on the island; there are about sixty -of them, from all countries. Several of them -bring me news from my friends, and an acquaintance -is soon struck up. We are assailed -with questions on all hands. Andrée does the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span> -honours of the establishment with much grace, -and propounds his theories as to the means he -proposes to adopt in his endeavours to reach -the pole. He explains the instruments and -apparatus, while I distribute among the tourists -some samples of the material employed for the -balloon.</p> - -<p>We hear news from Europe, always acceptable -to a degree which no one can conceive -who has never been far away from his native -country. Besides, in these wild regions everything -tends to augment the unconscious longing -for all that one has left behind, and those -who come from a region more or less near to -one’s native country at once assume something -of the nature of long-expected personal friends.</p> - -<p>The night of the 24th is spent very pleasantly. -I dine on board the <i>Erline Jarl</i>, and -hear a concert given by real artistes. My -thoughts wander back to scenes of the past, -and I say to myself that had some one sitting -next to me at a concert in Paris told me at -the time that in so many months, or at such -and such a time, I should hear the same instruments -and enjoy the same tunes at Spitzbergen, -I should have been very much surprised at -such a suggestion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span></p> - -<p><i>Saturday, 25th.</i>—At noon the small sloop -<i>Express</i> arrives, carrying mails. At 1 p.m. the -<i>Erline Jarl</i> leaves on a trip towards the north. -The programme consists in approaching close -to the ice-field, and the amiable Captain Bade -offers me a place on board his ship. But, -however much inclined to accept, I cannot -leave Andrée at this moment, as the balloon -demands all our attention.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, 26th.</i>—Andrée lectures to our crew. -His spirited and expressive language, his technical -explanations, given with perfect clearness, -frequently elicit loud applause.</p> - -<p><i>Monday, 27th.</i>—The inflation is completed -at the moment when the <i>Erline Jarl</i> returns -from her trip.</p> - -<p>The <i>Victoria</i> arrives at night, and the simultaneous -presence of the four vessels gives -Dansk-Gatt a festive air, which is greatly -enhanced by the lovely sunshine. Our little -international colony is very lively.</p> - -<p>After waiting a week in order to witness the -start of the balloon, the tourists lose patience. -They want to be at Vadso on the 9th of -August to see the eclipse of the sun.</p> - -<p>On July 30th a sumptuous dinner is given<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span> -us on board the <i>Erline Jarl</i>, and on the 31st -the tourists come in a body to the foot of the -shed.</p> - -<p>To the right and to the left of the entrance -the crews of the <i>Virgo</i> and the <i>Erline Jarl</i> -are formed up in line; at the back the passengers -are grouped round the explorers. -Several speeches are made by the captain of -the <i>Erline Jarl</i> and some of the tourists; -thereupon a young lady, who is travelling with -her <i>fiancé</i> and a relative, attaches to Andrée’s -arm a blue ribbon, and then hands him for the -journey a bottle of the best wine, a cake, and -a rose-tree with four roses, one for each explorer.</p> - -<p>Captain Bade, of the <i>Erline Jarl</i>, then addressed -Andrée as follows:—</p> - -<p>“If you reach the mysterious point for which -you are bound, deposit there the fourth of the -roses, as a token of peace with the old world.”</p> - -<p>“My dear friend,” Andrée replied, in accents -full of emotion, “you who have come -so far to see me set out for the conquest of the -unknown, my dear friends, I thank you!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus20"> -<img src="images/illus20.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE <i>VIRGO</i> DECKED FOR THE 14TH OF JULY FÊTE.</p> -</div> - -<p>“Mademoiselle, you have adorned me with -a ribbon on the eve of my departure; this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> -ribbon shall be my talisman. I have been -called a great man, but it will be difficult for -me to earn this title if the north winds still -continue to blow for some weeks as they do -now. Our greatness will fly with them—far, -far away! What can we do to remedy this? -If we cannot make a start, we shall, at least, -be able to say that we have done all that is -humanly possible, and you will be able to bear -witness thereto.</p> - -<p>“You are about to return to the south, and -if you meet the winds we are so urgently in -need of, send them on to us here, and we shall -welcome them as messengers from our good -friends on board the <i>Erline Jarl</i>.</p> - -<p>“My friends of the <i>Virgo</i>, a fourfold cheer for -our friends who will send us a South Wind!”</p> - -<p>During this touching speech the <i>Erline Jarl</i> -fires off a salvo of twenty-one guns in honour -of the Andrée Expedition, the report of which -shook the valleys to the echo.</p> - -<p>Thereupon, the speeches being over, we -leave the isle in order to spend the rest of -the night on board the <i>Erline Jarl</i>, which is -dressed, as is also the <i>Virgo</i>, with a multitude -of flags, as on great gala days, and I never feel<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> -weary of contemplating the noble colours of -the French flag proudly floating at the head -of the splendid vessel,—a delicate compliment -to me on the part of the captain, which moves -me more than I can tell.</p> - -<p>How full of meaning to me is this flag! -How full of souvenirs and consolation! And -how well one can understand, when far away -from his native country, all the silent eloquence -of this impersonal being, this glorious symbol! -Amidst all these people, speaking languages -which I do not understand, amidst all this -group of men isolated at the world’s end, and -I myself feeling lost in the midst of them, so -to speak, owing to the difficulty of making -myself understood by them, it contains a living -embodiment of my native land, the very representative -of the soil of France—her flag -hoisted on a foreign vessel in token of the -esteem in which the children of this noble -country are held. And this flag seems to say -to me: “You are not alone; I am here too! -You are no longer isolated; we are <i>some one</i>; -we are taken into account here!”</p> - -<p>We go on board, and soon the peaceful -reports of champagne corks—another reminder<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> -of French soil—accentuate the numerous toasts -which follow each other in the large saloon. -Then our spirits becoming more and more -elated, there are songs, cheers, the loud hum -of animated conversation, wishes of good luck, -plans for future meetings, and we leave the -hospitable vessel in order to return to the -<i>Virgo</i> at a very advanced hour.</p> - -<p>What a day! And how hearts are drawn -to each other under circumstances like these, -when at rare intervals, few and far between, -the oppressive and monotonous loneliness of -arduous travels in these frigid solitudes is -suddenly broken by boisterous meetings of -persons, hitherto strangers, who are so speedily -transformed into old friends!</p> - -<p><i>August 1st, 9 a.m.</i>—Under a misty sky, -heavy with snow, the <i>Erline Jarl</i> hoists her -anchor, sweeps round majestically, sends us -her last farewells and good wishes, and then -slowly glides away over the waters, leaving -behind her a foamy wake. The throbs of her -engine become more and more regular; soon -we no longer hear them; and it is with a choking -sensation in our bosom, which will readily -be understood, that we see this fine vessel<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -outlined and gradually disappearing on the -horizon, which, for a short moment, had come -to bring life and joy into our midst.</p> - -<p>Yet a long time after, leaning with my arms -on the handrail of the gangway, I followed -with my eyes the black cloud of smoke which -the <i>Erline Jarl</i> trails over the waves; I still -hear a last salute from the siren, and return -in deep thought to my cabin, in a sadder frame -of mind than I should care to admit.</p> - -<p>Grumberg, the naturalist, is working unceasingly -to enrich his collection; he dredges, -fishes, hunts, and sets snares for foxes. He has -succeeded in capturing two very young animals, -which he has installed on the island, in a nice -improvised cage, to which some anonymous -wag has attached a card bearing one of the -petitions of the Lord’s Prayer in Swedish: -“Give us this day our daily bread.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;" id="illus21"> -<img src="images/illus21.jpg" width="500" height="700" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span></p> -<p class="caption">STRINDBERG.</p> -</div> - -<p>Grumberg watches his protégés with jealous -care, and intends to offer them to a zoological -garden in Stockholm; but on the night of the -departure the foxes, who for a long time past -had been working to effect their escape by -gnawing through the boards of the cage, made -good their escape and fled into the mountains,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -pursued by the sailors, who gave chase. They -are not caught yet. I much doubt whether -Grumberg will be able to catch them again -next summer.</p> - -<p>But who knows; Fate is so fitful! You -ought, said some one, to have attached a -“favour” to their tails, so as to recognise them -again. I, on my part, remarked that these -young foxes might, perhaps, have been acquainted -with La Fontaine’s fable, entitled -“The Little Fish and the Fisherman,” and that -they would be sure to return to him as soon as -they had grown to a reasonable size. And I -amused myself by producing a revised copy -of this fable, specially re-edited to meet the -circumstances.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="center"><span class="smcap">Translation.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">The little fox will grow a big fox,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Provided God will grant him life;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But to release him in the meantime</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I think would be foolish indeed.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Two foxes that were but foxlets, as yet,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Quite young little things,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Were captured by chance</div> - <div class="verse indent0">By the good Doctor Grumberg</div> - <div class="verse indent0">On the Isles of Spitzbergen.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span></p> - -<p>“All is fish that comes to the net,” said he, -on beholding his prey.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">They will serve to start a collection;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Let us make a pretty cage for them.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>One of these foxlets, regretting his captivity, -said to him, in his own fashion,—</p> - -<p>“What are you going to do with us? We -should make a very poor present for a small -museum.</p> - -<p>“Let us grow up into foxes; you can catch -us later on, some fine day, and a good museum -will pay you a good price for us.</p> - -<p>“Whereas, in order to make a gift worth -giving, you would have to get about a hundred -of our size, which gift, after all, would be little -worth.”</p> - -<p>Little worth? “Well then,” replied the -hunter, “that may be.</p> - -<p>“My good friend, Renard, you who preach so -well, you must go into the cage; and you may -say what you like, it will be made at once.</p> - -<p>“‘One bird in the hand is worth two in the -bush,’—one is sure and the other is not.”</p> - -<p>But the two foxlets, deaf to these remarks,—possibly -they did not understand the doctor’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span> -language,—worked so hard and so well, that -one day the learned man, in search of curiosities, -found an empty cage.</p> - -<p>The amiable Dr. Ekelund has rarely had -any occasion to act in his professional character, -as apart from a few jammed fingers and other -minor injuries the state of health is excellent. -Hence he employs his leisure time in pulling -nails out of cases, or else he prepares for -stuffing the birds of various species which he -has killed when out hunting. During the -inflation of the balloon, he superintends the -action of the gas apparatus, and takes turns in -this duty with Professor Arrhénius and Stake.</p> - -<p>These gentlemen are also taking their share -in the meteorological service which is carried -on regularly by the staff of the expedition.</p> - -<p>The observations are minutely recorded -every hour in the ship’s log. On the Isle of -Amsterdam the snow is tinged with red for -a considerable distance, and the <i>savants</i> are -collecting it to examine it microscopically. It -presents, in fact, certain peculiarities; it is -thought that it contains very small plants. -Scoresby, the famous whaler, had already remarked -this.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">IX<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Snow</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>Dansk-Gatt, August 4th.</i>—The <i>Express</i> -left last night, carrying away our -last letters; and as the season is advanced, -we have now no hope of receiving at -Dansk-Gatt any more news from Europe.</p> - -<p>The north wind is still blowing, and has -brought a regular snowstorm; the mountains -have donned their winter mantle, and nature -seems to prepare for sleep. Birds are becoming -rare, and their joyful cries are no longer -to be heard. A white hood covers the top -of the balloon, which only awaits a current of -wind from the south to take flight; but this -wind, which was blowing during July, has now -completely subsided. What an irony of fate! -Who could foresee such a <i>contretemps</i>, and -how admirably successful the expedition would -have been were we in possession of the secrets -of the gods.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus22"> -<img src="images/illus22.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE CUPOLA OF THE BALLOON (TOP OF THE SHED).</p> -</div> - -<p>At present the sky is overcast and dark in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -the north; it is a long time since the sun has -shown itself. The sea is very rough.</p> - -<p>The flag hoisted on top of the mountain, -behind the balloon-shed, to indicate the direction -of the wind, was blown down last night -by the squall. It was the opinion of the ice-pilot -that we were in no danger of being -packed in the ice until the end of the month; -but the captain, who was answerable for the -safety of the men, declared that the <i>Virgo</i> should -weigh anchor on the 20th at the latest, at any -cost, to resume her voyage southwards, no -matter what the fate of the polar expedition -might be.</p> - -<p>Andrée and his two companions were -patiently waiting for the clouds to break up -and for a fresh southern wind, in order to take -their flight. They have the faith which gives -courage. The balloon seems anxious to be -freed from her fetters to show her strength and -her power. Everything is ready, weighed and -anticipated; everything is seen to and checked -in the smallest details by Andrée; provisions, -instruments, and outfits, all are in their places.</p> - -<p>We have only to suspend the car and to -pull down the northern part of the shed. This<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span> -would not take many hours, but we want a -favourable wind, and for this we are waiting in -vain. The delay, unavoidable though it is, -endangers the success of Andrée’s expedition, -and is very regrettable, for the sun is very low, -and the polar night is approaching.</p> - -<p><i>August 5th, noon.</i>—The snow keeps on -falling, but the wind is turning to the south-west. -It is almost what is required, and hope -is quickly reviving. May Fate soon open the -route to the north to Andrée, and return me -to my country and my anxious family! At -seven o’clock in the evening the state of the -atmosphere remains unchanged; the snow is -whirling about, and the sky is gloomy.</p> - -<p><i>Dansk-Gatt, August 6th.</i>—A small balloon, -launched at 6 o’clock, having ascended to the -height of 325 yards, took an easterly direction. -The gas apparatus is working; the balloon -which has been inflated for ten days, is full. -It is covered with snow and there is not a -single spot on the balloon shed that is not -white. The car is, however, protected by an -awning, but the whirling snow penetrates -everywhere.</p> - -<p>It is impossible to stop on deck, for the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span> -wind is raging, and the day goes by in monotony -and gloom. Every one longs for the end -of this campaign which seems interminable; so -long as tourists and whaling boats were moored -near us, and brought with them life and movement -to this solitary spot, our stay was very -agreeable—it was a lively and cheerful international -colony. Now Dansk-Gatt has resumed -its mournful and forsaken aspect. -“And the snow was still falling,” as Xavier -de Montépin would say.</p> - -<p>Then, confined within the walls of my cabin, -my dominion of two square metres, I begin to -peruse the few books I have and which, alas! -I know already by heart, but still hoping to -find therein something very interesting, if not -new, at least old. And I was not disappointed, -for I read over with great interest <i>La Mer</i>, -by my playfellow, the excellent poet Jean -Richepin, whose verses on snow were very -much to the point.</p> - -<p>It is long, long since, when sitting on the -benches in our little school at Belleville, we -were looking together over the top of the map -of Europe at this small archipelago, named -Spitzbergen, which appeared to my childest -imagination to be an inaccessible point.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">X<br /> -<span class="smaller">A Long Wait</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>Smeerenburg, Friday, August 7th.</i>—Noon. -The sky is bright and the sun -is sending us a few rays which are reviving -our hopes a little. The snow is melting; -but the wind, though slight, is still -blowing from the west. The balloon which -holds its gas well is dripping little by little.</p> - -<p>I made a long excursion on the east side of -Dane’s Island. The island of Fogll-Sund is -glittering in the midday sun. The birds have -awakened. I saw several flocks of eiders. -At six o’clock four pilot balloons are launched, -three were driven south-west at 547 yards and -one towards the sea at 65 yards.</p> - -<p><i>Saturday, 8th, 10 o’clock.</i>—Sky overcast, -wind slight and uncertain, with tendency to -turn S.E. Thermometer 7° (44·6 Fahr.).</p> - -<p>Afternoon, S.E. wind at 1,093 yards; on -land wind still, or slightly to the north.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span></p> - -<p>At nine o’clock in the evening the upper -wind is still S. Let us hope that it will descend -and that, at last, our plans may be realized.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, August 9th.</i>—Morning, S. wind -slight; afternoon, dead calm; hardly any need -to say every one is weary. Ekholm declares -that the balloon is losing about 66 lbs. per -day; he thinks it able to stand a voyage of -from forty to fifty days’ duration. But under -the circumstances it is really very little; yet -the envelope is solid and well finished.</p> - -<p><i>Monday, August 10th.</i>—Balloon very full -although no gas was let in since last Friday -(sixty-five yards). Temperature somewhat -higher. S. wind, very slight, barometer at a -standstill.</p> - -<p><i>4 o’clock p.m.</i>—Wind on land, nil.</p> - -<p>A pilot balloon launched at 2 o’clock. Rose -to 109 yards; direction N. Speed from thirteen -to fourteen feet per second. Evening, 7 -p.m., S. wind, pretty strong in the upper -regions.</p> - -<p>Then a complete change, the north wind -prevailing.</p> - -<p>What, then, are we going to fail at the last -moment?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span></p> - -<p>Must we pack up this balloon, ready to take -her flight to a land around which so many -vain efforts have been made for centuries past?</p> - -<p>“My kingdom for a horse!” cried Richard -III., in one of those struggles in which the -human wretch thinks he acquires so much -glory by massacring his fellow-man and by -spreading death in his path. And what would -not the three hardy explorers have given for a -breath of favourable wind, which would have -enabled them to carry on the struggle they had -commenced against the unknown!</p> - -<p>What bitter reflections came into my mind!</p> - -<p>In a smiling country, where everything bespeaks -work and prosperity, where each one -trusts to the future, happy in the labours -undertaken, happy in his daily tasks, suddenly -there arises this very wind so much longed for -here, and in a few minutes the tempest in its -blind fury has sown death and ruin where life -and wealth were working together!</p> - -<p>Here science stood in need of a little of this -destructive wind, of ever so little, but none -came.</p> - -<p>And possibly, further away, ships were being -wrecked and lives destroyed by it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus23"> -<img src="images/illus23.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE BALLOON IN THE SHED DURING ITS DEFLATION.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span></p> - -<p>Oh, for a balloon that could be steered! -Why have we not one here?</p> - -<p><i>Friday, August 14th (19th day of inflation), -7 a.m.</i>—The lieutenant has just informed us -that a south wind is blowing; in fact it is pretty -strong. The gas apparatus is set to work to -complete the inflation.</p> - -<p>The snow is falling gently, but it melts -quickly. At nine o’clock Andrée launches a -small balloon which takes a northerly course at -an elevation of forty to fifty yards, but it -immediately turns off to the east as it rises, -<i>then the wind turns due west and we cease to -hope</i>.</p> - -<p>Our joy was of short duration. Besides, -the season is now too far advanced to attempt -such a voyage. It is winter.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">XI<br /> -<span class="smaller">The <i>Fram</i></span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>At half-past nine the ice-pilot signalled a -three-master off the eastern cape of the -Isle of Amsterdam.</p> - -<p>Great excitement prevails on board the -<i>Virgo</i>. What object has this vessel in coming -to these regions visited only by whalers and -tourists? She stops and hoists the Norwegian -flag on her main mast. One cry went up from -all hearts: “Nansen! Nansen coming back -from the Pole.”</p> - -<p>Those who had seen the photo of the ship -<i>Fram</i>, recognise her perfectly well in the -steamer which is lying at a distance of 2½ miles -from us.</p> - -<p>The snow is falling fine and thick. The -captain and Andrée, Ekholm and Strindberg, -are leaving in a steam launch to receive their -valiant compatriots. When a few fathoms -from the <i>Fram</i>, Andrée and his companions<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span> -raise a vigorous cheer in honour of Nansen, -but the faces of the sailors on board are -saddened with a painful expression. Nansen -is not with them. On the 14th of March, -1895, he left them at 84° lat., accompanied by -the young lieutenant, Johannsen, taking with -him sledges, twenty-eight dogs, and provisions -for 120 days. He directed his steps towards -the North Pole in the hope of returning by -way of Franz-Josef land, where the Jackson -Expedition was to winter.</p> - -<p>After the exchange of greetings of welcome -and when the emotion of the first moment had -subsided, the members of the two expeditions -indulged in a friendly conversation, happy -and surprised at the same time to meet again -in the glacial Arctic Ocean, free at last.</p> - -<p>The <i>Fram</i>, which only a day before was -packed in the ice at 81°, heard of our presence -from a whaler; as soon as she was in open -water she made for Dansk-Gatt in the hope of -getting news of Nansen.</p> - -<p>Captain Sverdrup, Lieutenant Hansen, the -doctor and five other members of the crew, -take their places in the launch. The remaining -three men stay on board, while the small party<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> -are coming to visit our quarters and the balloon, -which is waiting in the shed.</p> - -<p>It is easy to imagine how greatly these brave -men are astonished.</p> - -<p>Then the expedition comes on board the -<i>Virgo</i> where champagne soon foams in glasses. -It is a pleasure to look at these brave sailors who, -after three years and two months passed amidst -the polar ice, are so happy to find themselves -in the company of their “brothers in arms, -and companions in peril.”</p> - -<p>I am proud to be one of the first to greet -the <i>Fram</i> on her return to these distant regions. -I had the good fortune to converse at some -length with Lieutenant Hansen, who speaks -French fairly well. He is an amiable man, of -about thirty years of age, a little over medium -height, dark, with bright eyes and intelligent -forehead, and pleasing manner.</p> - -<p>He put numerous questions to me concerning -the events which had taken place in Europe -during the last three years. I informed him -of the death of Alexander III., of the assassination -of President Carnot, etc., and I spoke to -him also of new discoveries and inventions: -cinematographe, X-rays, etc., etc.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus24"> -<img src="images/illus24.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE SHED AND THE BALLOON CASE.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span></p> - -<p>All this seemed to greatly interest him. -Then in a few words he told me the extremely -touching story of the <i>Fram’s</i> voyage.</p> - -<p>Andrée made a speech and proposed a toast -to Nansen and his gallant companions. The -captain and the lieutenant replied in a few vigorous -and moving words, and I felt myself struck -with admiration for these brave men who have -carried the European colours to the 86th degree -of latitude.</p> - -<p>They are happy to see their country and -their homes again, but they are calm and patient -as becomes true heroes. The lieutenant has a -<i>fiancée</i> awaiting him, Andrée hands him a -letter, only just arrived, from his mother. He -also hands Captain Sverdrup a letter addressed -to Nansen, and bearing the inscription, “The -North Pole.”</p> - -<p>The <i>Fram’s</i> library contains the <i>Five -Weeks in a Balloon</i>, by Jules Verne, and -the crew had often dreamt of the possibility -of a balloon expedition coming to their relief. -The dream was very near reality. In life -everything is unforeseen, yet everything happens. -If the polar balloon had started a few -days ago it would have surely noticed the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span> -<i>Fram</i> on its way. “Man proposes and God -disposes.”</p> - -<p>It is painful to think that we shall have to -take the aerostatic material back to Sweden -and wait.</p> - -<p>Disappointment for Andrée’s polar expedition: -joy and triumph for the Nansen expedition -if their commander returns soon.</p> - -<p>Andrée places in the captain’s button-hole -a sweet-scented rose, “La France,” a rare -flower in Spitzbergen, and offers him a box of -excellent cigars, a present which is greatly -appreciated by our genial guests. Then the -launch takes them back to their vessel amidst -the hurrahs of the crew of the <i>Virgo</i>.</p> - -<p>At five p.m., in a fine chilling snow, we pay -our visit to the <i>Fram</i> and take photos of her.</p> - -<p>When we are near the ship about twenty -Siberian dogs, ranged in her bow, receive us -with loud barks, but soon they recognise that -we are friends and their bark is rather one of -joy than any indication of hostility. They are -all pleased at our caresses. Captain Sverdrup -does the honours of his ship, which, if she has -not the refined elegance of the <i>Erline Jarl</i>, -yet inspires confidence by her sturdy appearance.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span> -She is the traditional Norwegian ship, -with wooden hull well strengthened, her masts -and her bulwarks roughly cut; in the bow the -upturned boats, placed on frames, form a kind -of shelter under which are suspended a couple -of dozen bears’ hams, partly cured and dried; -birds freshly killed for eating, casks and articles -of every description, winch, anchors, cables, -etc. In the stern the tiller is placed in a square -hole made in the hull of the ship. On one side -a spare tiller consisting of a massive piece of -wood; compass, instruments, and the necessary -rigging.</p> - -<p>I stop at the observation post where the -lieutenant tells us about his work and shows -us the charts of the voyage; then we descend -into the cabins, passing near the kitchen from -which proceeds a very agreeable odour.</p> - -<p>Traversing about ten steps of a very dark -staircase, I find myself in the saloon, which -has a hexagonal shape not devoid of originality. -A lamp, with a reflector, fixed on the central -pillar, emits a vague light to which my eyes -accustom themselves with difficulty.</p> - -<p>The wainscotting is of a primitive style of decoration, -painted white, picked out with bright<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span> -colours, in which red and green predominate. -There is a very comfortable sofa in the background, -placed opposite a table, at which the -crew take their meals. The walls are adorned -with several pictures, one of which is an illustration -of a Norwegian legend: three princes, -who have metamorphosed themselves into -white bears in order to win the hearts of three -coy princesses whose hair seems to be flying -heavenwards. The bears, good princes as -they are, are licking their feet. Another picture -is the portrait in crayons of Mrs. Nansen -and her child. The saloon is heated by a -stove, which keeps it at an even temperature -of 15 to 16 degrees. Air and light are admitted -by a glazed skylight running across the -stern deck.</p> - -<p>On the left there is an automatic harmonium -with a keyboard, to amuse the crew on dull -days. One of our hosts, the engineer, improvised -several tunes for us; it is wonderfully -original, and if it were not for the respect due -to Nansen, we would have invited the fair -Charlotte, the stewardess with whom the -reader is already acquainted, to have a dance, -as the ladies were with us.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span></p> - -<p>For more than three years woman had not -entered Nansen’s ark, and the crew were -demonstratively gallant. The cabins of the -crew are situated around the saloon whence -they receive their supply of air, having no -other communication with the outside; they are -lighted by lamps fixed on the walls. The cabins -of the captain, lieutenant and doctor, with -their maps, instruments, arms, and different -other objects, are very interesting: photographs -and hundreds of weird objects constitute -a droll <i>ensemble</i>.</p> - -<p>In every cabin there is a portrait of the -loved one.</p> - -<p>The captain showed us the chart of the -<i>Fram’s</i> voyage as made out by the observations; -and after that a collection of very curious -photographs representing the life and the stirring -wanderings of the crew since their departure -in 1893. The vessel in the midst of -the ice, their winter quarters, the encampment, -the glaciers, the icebergs, the observations, the -mirage, the aurora borealis, the <i>Fram</i> buried -under the ice which almost annihilated her, -the crew working fifteen days with pickaxes to -clear away the ice, the sledges, the dogs, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> -windmill at the mizzen mast for driving the -electric dynamo, the moonlight, Nansen’s departure, -etc., are so many pictures which one -cannot look at without heartfelt emotion, and -which leave far behind everything written or -pictured by Jules Verne in <i>Captain Hatteras</i>.</p> - -<p>We leave the <i>Fram</i> at nine p.m. after hearty -farewells.</p> - -<p>During the night the Nansen expedition -peacefully took its course to the south. They -have still on board provisions and coal for -three years.</p> - -<p><i>Sunday, August 16th.</i>—The snow ceased -falling, and the sun who does not renounce -his rights, comes for an instant to restore -another glimmer of hope; the wind, although -mild, vacillates and appears to tend northwards. -Another disappointment.</p> - -<p>At last, on <i>Monday, August 17th</i>, after -twenty-one days of waiting in feverish anxiety, -Andrée resigns himself to open the valves of -the balloon, which is quite full; and it is with -regret, easily understood, that I watch the -escape of 17,658 cubic feet of gas, to produce -which gave us so much labour.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus25"> -<img src="images/illus25.jpg" width="700" height="450" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE SWEDISH GUNBOAT <i>SVENSKSUND</i>.</p> -</div> - -<p>The folding and packing are not easy work.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span> -And then, as the case of the balloon had been -destroyed, it was necessary to improvise one -and take the whole material back on board the -<i>Virgo</i>. The planks of the shed, except those -of the second storey, required for the stability -of the edifice, have been removed. The gas -apparatus is covered over, and all the delicate -or fragile parts are shipped on board.</p> - -<p><i>Thursday, August 20th.</i>—The <i>Virgo</i> is -loaded. The morning was spent in solidly -tying up all objects which might be shifted by -rolling. Andrée is working in the shed up to -the last moment; he is tying down the boards, -shrouding the frames; he has the half of the -floor carried off so that the wind may sweep -away the snow. Then he leaves, fixed to a -post, a framed placard stating the ownership -and the object of the shed, which he commends -to the care of the few fishermen who -are still in the islands of the North.</p> - -<p>Finally, after lunch, at four o’clock, the <i>Virgo</i> -weighs anchor. We take a last photograph, -and a last look at Dane’s Island, which soon -disappears in the fog. The expedition is at an -end.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">XII<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Storm</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>The barometer has undergone a rapid -depression since last night. Hardly -had we rounded Amsterdam Island, taking a -south-west course, when the vessel began to -roll, and a few moments later the storm struck -us. The sky darkened and the <i>Virgo</i> lurched -terribly. I was again a prey to terrible sea-sickness -and retired to my cabin. All the -kitchen utensils and earthenware vessels are -dancing a jig round me. The <i>Virgo</i> which has -lost some of her ballast is rolling frightfully. -The captain has had a small jib placed at the -bow which lessens the rolling.</p> - -<p>The wind is raging and furious waves are -sweeping the deck. Only a few of the crew -have escaped sickness, and in the evening the -dining-room is empty.</p> - -<p>Every two hours the ship is stopped and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> -Professor Arrhénius takes samples of water at -various depths; when the engine stops the -rolling is still worse. We are overtaken by a -snowstorm and darkness is complete. After -twenty-four hours on a south-westerly course, -which is taking us away from Tromsö, the -<i>Virgo</i> returns south-east, and the storm begins -to subside. We see ships at a distance, and -the temperature rises as we draw nearer to -Norway.</p> - -<p>It was on the 22nd that we passed near -Beren Island, which was hidden by the fog. -A number of birds surrounded our ship which -is again sailing fast.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">XIII<br /> -<span class="smaller">My last Night on the <i>Virgo</i></span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>The storm has blown over. I recovered -my appetite and my good humour, and -the night of the 23rd-24th was a very pleasant -one.</p> - -<p>For some time past I had seen no darkness, -and this night was not without poetic surroundings.</p> - -<p>A few stars are already twinkling in the -zenith, when at about ten o’clock the sun disappeared -from the horizon leaving a long twilight -which lasted until dawn.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus26"> -<img src="images/illus26.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span></p> -<p class="caption">A LAPLANDERS’ CAMP.</p> -</div> - -<p>The sky was tinted with purple hues forming -an immense rainbow, stretching from west -to east. Grey clouds of the weirdest forms -travelled through space, and lent animation to -a view which it would be difficult to paint. -The full moon, which appeared as the sun set, -shone brightly, casting her white light on the -silvery waves. The disc was extremely large,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span> -and the outlines of the land were shown very -distinctly.</p> - -<p>Alone on the bridge, I gave myself up to -my dreams. The temperature having perceptibly -risen, I experienced the greatest comfort -in sailing thus in the direction of the land. -My companions were hardly able to rouse me -from my contemplation and induce me to go -down and play cards in the dining-room, where -a lamp was lit for the first time. The sea was -as calm as a lake, and navigation was a pleasure -in this calm after the storms we have -endured.</p> - -<p><i>August 24th.</i>—It is dawn, the moon is -waning and the day-star resumes possession -of the scene. Birds still accompany us and -whirl round the <i>Virgo</i>, the black smoke of -which unrolls itself like a plume of feathers.</p> - -<p>We are approaching the Norwegian coast, -and can see the cliffs. Vessels and craft of -every description are moving to and fro. We -are coming back to life; we feel that we are -returning to civilization. The breakfast at nine -o’clock is very animated. The weather is -warm, and we are all preparing to make our -entrance into Tromsö.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span></p> - -<p>At eleven o’clock we are at last in sight of -the town, and by noon the <i>Virgo</i> is berthed in -the port opposite the <i>Fram</i>, which we had met -at Dansk-Gatt on the 14th of August.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">XIV<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Return</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>We are at once surrounded by friends, and -learn with pleasure that Nansen is a -guest on board the small white yacht <i>Otaria</i>, -anchored near the <i>Fram</i>, which she brought in -tow from Hammerfest.</p> - -<p>I much regret not being able to shake hands -with him, but I am leaving my companions -after sincere and heartfelt farewells to take my -passage on the mail boat <i>Haakon Jarl</i>, which -is leaving in a few minutes. Dr. Ekelund -accompanies me to Trondhjem. One of the -officers on board hands me letters and papers -from France. Now, then, I am going to have -a foretaste of the pleasure of again seeing -those dear to me; I already feel that they are -near me.</p> - -<p>The <i>Haakon Jarl</i> is a superb steamer, conducting -the mail service along the coasts of -Norway, where railways are unknown.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span></p> - -<p>Navigation through the fjords is full of -charms and surprises. The landscape is of the -most varied description: at one time tall rocks, -snow-capped like the mountains of Spitzbergen; -at another, green wooded hills, fertile -prairies with large herds of cattle grazing, and -arable land in all its luxuriance. Little hamlets -on the mountain sides, villages, châlets nestling -mid fir trees and beeches suggest the picturesque -scenery of Switzerland.</p> - -<p>The vessel threads her way through the -islands, and touches at all the stations on her -route.</p> - -<p>The plaintive sound of the siren re-echoes -from the mountains, announces her arrival, and -small vessels surround the steamer to receive -and deliver dispatches, to take off passengers -and their luggage, and then to make for their -various destinations.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus27"> -<img src="images/illus27.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span></p> -<p class="caption">A WHALE.</p> -</div> - -<p>The fore-deck is one mass of cases, heaps of -bricks, casks, bales, bark, and articles of every -description. With the exception of a few -tardy tourists going from Tromsö to Trondhjem, -as it is already late in the season, passengers -seem to change at every station. In -some places the banks on either side are quite<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span> -near, and it requires all the skill of the captain -to make his way between the beacons, and avoid -the numerous rocks scattered along the course. -During the winter the passage is lighted by -the lighthouse, but just now the nights are -short, and there is very little darkness. We -pass a great many vessels going through the -Loffoden Islands.</p> - -<p>Meals are served in a sumptuous saloon, and -the traditional amateur concert takes place -after dinner. The evening is spent in smoking -cigars on deck, where Nature is the leading -feature on the programme. The scene is as -full of variety as of surprises.</p> - -<p>First the sun, whose immense scarlet disc -sinks slowly into the wave, leaving in its track -a fiery horizon. The whole sky is coloured -with tints running the gamut from violet to -light grey. Clouds assume fantastic forms, -merge into one another, transform their outlines, -then disappear; then the pale moon -appears, and its silvery glimmer is reflected on -the waters.</p> - -<p>I stand for hours together in an ecstasy of -admiration before these changing pictures, so -little known to Parisians. A few stars are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span> -shining in the firmament; the air is pure, the -night calm, and the atmosphere pleasant.</p> - -<p>I can breathe freely and enjoy life. The -light breeze, which brings us the perfumes -from the pine woods, is barely enough to stir -the surface of the sea. In the wake of the -ship is a long phosphorescent track. Every -turn of the propeller brings me nearer to my -country, the main object of my thoughts.</p> - -<p>The <i>Haakon Jarl</i> stayed a few hours at -Bodo, a small Scandinavian town, beginning to -show traces of civilization. Doctor Ekelund -and I landed. We were pleased to find some -newspapers, in which a meeting of Andrée and -Nansen at Tromsö was referred to, also the -Polar voyage chart of the celebrated Norwegian -explorer. We afterwards attended an open-air -concert given by a family of German artists.</p> - -<p>During our passage to Torghatten, a small -troupe of the Salvation Army came on board, -and amused us a good deal with some of their -musical performances, and their devout, though -rather extravagant, practices.</p> - -<p>The captain, a respectable lady, with her -head concealed at the farther end of a huge -poke-bonnet, which would not be out of place<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span> -at Madame Tussaud’s, was gravely seated in a -rocking-chair, and presided over the spiritual -concert given by the members of the congregation. -The devout musicians, leaning against a -heap of dried cod-fish, sang in more or less -plaintive tunes the praises of the Lord, who -doubtless understands all languages. For my -part, I did not understand a single word of -these hymns, but I could judge by the faces of -the audience that the music, which <i>emollit -mores</i>, did not convince them. It was a wonder -we did not throw them some small change; we -expected that one of the pleasant company -would go round, hat in hand, to make a collection -for the expenses of the institution, or -for any other more prosaic purpose.</p> - -<p>A pretty young girl, of sixteen or seventeen -years of age, with her hair arranged after the -fashion of Miss Helyett (doubtless the captain’s -niece), followed in a book, though with a distracted -sort of devotion, the songs of the -Salvation Army.</p> - -<p>However, the amusements on board were -not very numerous, and this was the chief item, -as far as I was concerned, in the passage from -Tromsö to Trondhjem, where the main body<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span> -of the army awaited their brethren, who were -coming from the North to gain souls for Paradise.</p> - -<p><i>Thursday, August 27th.</i>—About four p.m. -the town of Trondhjem appeared to be south-east. -This is the haven so long wished for, -although I have no right to complain of this -latter portion of my voyage, during which no -one suffered from the rolling of the vessel. -The largest northern town in Norway, where -the houses and buildings are made entirely of -wood, has really an original appearance, and I -sincerely regretted that I could not make a -longer stay; but a few hours afterwards I left -my amiable guide, Dr. Ekelund, and took a -quick train on the single-line railway which was -to carry me, within seventeen hours, over the -310 miles that divided me from Christiania.</p> - -<p>The train started with some difficulty, and -could only ascend the first incline with the aid -of a locomotive coupled on behind. At last it -proceeded at its normal rate of speed; the line -was so bad that my carriage was shaken terribly. -The pinewood structures seemed extremely -fragile, and the bridges thrown over -the lakes and streams made one giddy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span></p> - -<p>After our two months stay at Spitzbergen, -where the vegetable kingdom is represented by -moss and lichen, it was pleasant to come back -to verdure, trees and flowers. Here Nature is -displayed in all her splendour, and I should -never tire of admiring the marvellous landscapes, -the châlets, the torrents and the waterfalls -which all contribute to the grandeur of -Norwegian scenery.</p> - -<p>The farmers gathering in the harvest, the -wood-cutters cutting down trees which they -send down from the top of the mountain by the -river, which conveys them to a port where they -will be received and either sent to a saw-mill or -shipped on board a trading vessel—all here is -life and movement. What a contrast to the -frozen solitudes of Spitzbergen! Hamar is the -terminus of the narrow railway. Here we -entered the elegant carriages that cross to -Elsinore; and lastly, a few hours later, we -neared Christiania and descended at full speed -such a steep incline that at each moment we -asked ourselves with terror where we should go -if the brakes failed to act.</p> - -<p>On getting out at Christiania, we found ourselves -in the midst of civilization. At the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span> -station I was assailed by an army of touts, from -whom I only escaped by taking refuge in the -fly from the Grand Hotel, where French is -spoken, and where I found a degree of comfort -to which I had become unaccustomed—the -refined luxury of great cities. At breakfast I -listened to a concert that would not have been -out of place on our <i>grands boulevards</i>. I visited -the town, which is very interesting, and made -purchases of furs and articles of which Norway -has the monopoly, various knick-knacks and -little trifles that afterwards serve to remind -us of our wanderings. I stayed two hours in -Copenhagen, and at last on Sunday the 30th -of August I embarked, at dawn, at the mouth -of the canal at Kiel, on board the mail-boat -<i>Skiruer</i>, on which I made my last passage. All -the passengers on the boat were on deck to see -the German fleet which was drawn up at this -station. Twenty ironclads, a great many despatch-boats -and torpedo-boats lying at the -entrance of the canal excited great curiosity; -moreover the spectacle was new to me as well -as to most of the passengers, and it is not one -that can be seen every day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus28"> -<img src="images/illus28.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span></p> -<p class="caption">DEPARTURE FOR A HUNTING EXPEDITION.</p> -</div> - -<p>At last I arrived at Hamburg and came<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> -on to Paris, passing through Cologne and -Liège.</p> - -<p>The polar balloon was returned to me a little -while after, to be kept until the time when -M. Andrée should start on his expedition.</p> - -<p>By my advice, Andrée agreed that I should -increase the volume of his balloon as much as -possible by adding to its equator two zones of -silk of treble thickness, thus bringing the cubic -measurement of the balloon to about 176,582 -feet. The result of this addition was an increase -in the ascending power of nearly 650 lbs., which -is not to be despised.</p> - -<p>The outer envelope was then re-varnished -inside and out, and, the repairing being completed, -the balloon was sent off towards the -end of April, 1897, to Gothenburg to be -shipped on board the <i>Svensksund</i>.</p> - -<p>Andrée’s new companions, M. Fraenkel, -acting member, and M. Svedenborg, assistant, -came to Paris in the spring<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> to go through a -course of balloon practice. They made a series -of ascents for practice from the aerostatic park -at Vaugirard in the “Nobel” and the “Fram,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span> -under the direction of Messrs. Machuron, Lair -and myself.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding my desire to revisit the -polar regions, I gave up my place to my nephew -and collaborator, who, more fortunate than -myself, witnessed the departure of the balloon.</p> - -<p>Awaiting the return of the courageous explorers, -I conclude the account of this voyage -which will constitute an epoch in my life and -will leave behind it ineffaceable memories.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Henri Lachambre.</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paris</span>, <i>October 14th, 1897</i>.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> As Strindberg did last year.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">SECOND PART</h2> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h3 class="nobreak">I<br /> -<span class="smaller">Departure of the Second Expedition</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>On the 18th of May the town of Gothenburg -prepared to witness the second -departure of the Polar Expedition. On the -quays of the port the inhabitants assembled in -crowds testified to Andrée their admiration for -his ever memorable undertaking.</p> - -<p>The rebuffs he experienced last year had not -shaken his faith; he still stood firm, and was -still the same, with his eagle eye and his iron -will.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding his modesty, Andrée could -not help being moved by the enthusiastic -manifestations that were showered upon him. -His perseverance disarmed the most sceptical. -The good wishes of everybody followed him -and his companions. People at last understood -that this innovator is a man.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span></p> - -<p>At six p.m. the <i>Svensksund</i>, which had no -other decoration than the national flag, weighed -anchor amidst the tumultuous acclamations of -the public. Most of the ships were decorated -with flags and saluted the <i>Svensksund</i> as she -passed them.</p> - -<p>We rapidly left them behind.</p> - -<p>As was the case last year, a number of vessels -laden to the water’s edge crowded round the -port. Some filled with friends and relations -of the explorers accompanied us as far as the -open sea, where the last adieux were said. One -boat came alongside and took the telegrams -which we wished to send to our families and -friends.</p> - -<p>Soon the shores of Sweden, gilded by the -rays of a beautiful sunset, gradually disappeared -from the horizon, and we were steaming along -on the open sea at full speed.</p> - -<p>The <i>Svensksund</i> is a Swedish gun-boat of -300 tons, solidly built, which in winter renders -great service to merchant vessels by cutting -passages through the ice, with which the port of -Gothenburg is blocked during the period of frost.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus29"> -<img src="images/illus29.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span></p> -<p class="caption">ON THE ICEBERGS.</p> -</div> - -<p>This boat, which is manned by picked men, -and admirably suited for cruising in the Arctic<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> -regions, has been graciously placed at the -disposal of the Andrée Expedition by His -Majesty the King of Sweden.</p> - -<p>On board were all kinds of valuable articles, -scientific instruments and the aerostatic apparatus; -the balloon was placed in the best -ventilated position, and will be able to make -the voyage without the least danger. If our -vessel is strongly built and calculated to resist -the pressure of ice, its flat form is less suited to -the open sea, and causes considerable rolling. -I soon felt the first symptoms of sea-sickness, -and retired to my cabin where I remained until -the following evening. On the 20th of May I -woke up relieved, although my brain was still -somewhat clouded, but this feeling was soon -dissipated on the deck by a fresh breeze and -a bright sun. We were in sight of the -Norwegian coast; and we soon entered the -fjords where the voyage became more enjoyable -between the high mountains that fringe the two -opposite shores. Very little vegetation; moreover -the snow still covered all the more elevated -parts and those that do not catch the rays -of the sun; spring was just commencing at -this latitude.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span></p> - -<p>Along the shore are scattered a few habitations, -generally low and surrounded sparsely -by shrubs which were just beginning to put -forth their first green leaves.</p> - -<p>At noon we arrived at Bergen, an important -Norwegian port, which is advantageously situated, -the vegetation being much more advanced -here than in the districts we had been passing -through. Here the banks were green and -beautifully tinted; the background consisting -of snow-covered mountains, which reflect a -dazzling light.</p> - -<p>We left Bergen at two o’clock, after having -engaged a pilot to steer us through the fjords.</p> - -<p>The sky was clear, the sea calm and still; -moreover, here, the wind has no sweep, and -there is no fear of storms. We saw on all -sides birds and wild ducks of various species, -and occasionally dolphins showed themselves -disporting in the water.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the scene was changed.</p> - -<p>We passed into a fog, which was slight at -first, but gradually became denser and denser; -we had to slacken speed, and at four -o’clock were obliged to stop, the course becoming -dangerous amidst the numerous islets<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span> -and reefs with which the fjords are studded.</p> - -<p>The captain anchored his vessel for the -night in a little bay sheltered by high and -precipitous mountains (latitude 60° 48´, longitude -East of Greenwich 4° 48´ 30´´). This -delay enabled us to attend a grand dinner -given by the officers of the vessel, Captain -C. A. Ehrensvärd, Lieutenants G. Norselius -and G. Celsing, and Dr. J. Chr. Lembke, -to welcome the members of the expedition, -M. S. A. Andrée, engineer, and head of the -expedition; Messrs. Nils Strindberg, of the -University of Stockholm, and Knut Fraenkel, -civil engineer, the companions of Andrée; -Lieutenant Svedenborg, assistant; and the -engineer, Stake, to whom is entrusted the -erection and management of the gas apparatus. -M. Fraenkel, in the name of his mother, who -conceived the idea of this delicate attention, -presented each member of the expedition with -a souvenir. This was a silver napkin ring, -bearing on one side, in Swedish, <span class="smcap">Souvenir -of the Polar Expedition, 1897</span>, and on the -other, engraved in a shield, the name of the -recipient.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span></p> - -<p>The dinner, which was extremely well arranged, -did credit to Lieutenant Celsing, the -steward of the ship; we had set before us the -best of claret and champagne, the greater part -of which was supplied from presents sent to -the expedition.</p> - -<p>Captain Ehrensvärd, in the name of all the -officers, wished us welcome, and enthusiastic -toasts were drunk in honour of Andrée and his -companions, and also to the success of their -undertaking. The members of the expedition -were toasted, those engaged to be married in -particular; these last toasts concerned Strindberg -and myself more especially.</p> - -<p>Andrée read several telegrams received at -the time of the departure from Gothenburg, -which contained the last expressions of sympathy -from distant friends.</p> - -<p>The dinner went on amidst great gaiety. I -felt delighted with the very cordial attitude of -my neighbours, who spoke French, as far as -their acquaintance with our language permitted, -so as to enable me to join in their conversation -and follow what they said as far as possible.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the fog that surrounded us -it was still daylight at 11 p.m. After having<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> -partaken on the bridge of the traditional -Swedish punch, we all retired for the night.</p> - -<p>The next morning, May 21st, as the fog -had not lifted, the captain gave the order to -leave the fjords and continue the voyage in -the open sea. Slowly we quitted our haven, -the last narrow creek was cleared, and we were -soon scudding northwards at full speed, some -miles from the shore.</p> - -<p>On May 22nd we returned to the route -through the fjords, which were now free from -fog. We sighted Aalesund, an important fishing -port. On the outskirts of the port we saw -on the beach several large square surfaces, of -a whitish colour, symmetrically arranged in -wooden frames. These we found were quantities -of salted cod being dried in the open -air. This industry constitutes one of the -greatest resources of the inhabitants of these -regions, who export the fish in large quantities -to all parts of Europe.</p> - -<p>In the evening we proceeded on our course -in company with a Norwegian mail-boat, which -saluted the <i>Svensksund</i> several times. The passengers -cheered Andrée lustily, thus testifying -their interest in the expedition.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span></p> - -<p>Next day, at one o’clock, we passed Brono, -a little Norwegian port (latitude 65° 28´). At -this point the passage between the two shores -is very narrow, and much care is required to -avoid striking against the rocks, that can be -seen under the water; happily we had nothing -to fear with our officers, who acted with consummate -skill.</p> - -<p><i>May 24th.</i>—A splendid morning, but in -these parts snow must have fallen the night -before, for the banks were quite covered. The -vegetation was not so advanced here as in the -districts we had passed, and there were fewer -trees.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus30"> -<img src="images/illus30.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span></p> -<p class="caption">DANES ISLAND SEEN BY THE MIDNIGHT SUN.</p> -</div> - -<p>We crossed the limit of the Arctic circle, and -the event was celebrated by drinking champagne. -In the evening the sky became overcast, -and a fine, light rain began to fall; later -on, at a few hours’ journey from Tromsö, we had -some heavy falls of snow, followed by gleams -of sunshine, which reminded me of our snowstorms -in France. But on entering the port -of Tromsö there was a blinding fall of snow, -and the <i>Svensksund</i> had to grope its way in, as -it was impossible to see our course. At last, at -11 p.m., we cast anchor, and received a visit from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span> -the harbour-master, who brought us a voluminous -packet of letters, telegrams, and newspapers. -I received news from France that -gave me great pleasure. This was the last -port at which we should touch, as we were then -going direct to Spitzbergen, where we should -receive no communications for several weeks.</p> - -<p><i>May 25th.</i>—The snow-fall continues. The -inhabitants of Tromsö declared that it was a -favourable omen for Andrée, and augured well -for his success, for at the time of Nansen’s -visit, in 1893, a great deal of snow fell, -which was a rare occurrence at that time of -the year.</p> - -<p>We went through the town, and much admired -a number of little villas surrounded by -clusters of trees, which reminded us of the -sunny slopes of Meudon.</p> - -<p>The town was very lively and very busy. -Ladies and young girls, most elegantly dressed, -were walking about the streets, and also fishermen, -sailors, etc. We even met a cyclist. Where -shall we find the limit of the bicycle? I was -astonished to see one in a country that has no -practicable roads and very few fine days.</p> - -<p>Below, on the sea, were docks built on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span> -piles; a little port where about fifty fishing -boats were lying. Further out was a mail-boat -arriving from Trondhjem.</p> - -<p>We visited the Museum, which contains all -kinds of animals and birds belonging to the -polar regions, teams of reindeer, Esquimaux -huts, arms, and fishing tackle of the most -remote periods. All the houses in Tromsö -are built of wood, and one wonders what would -be left of the town if a fire should ever break -out. Every year tribes of Laplanders come -from the North to exchange goods with the -traders; they bring chiefly skins of reindeer, -foxes, wolves, and white bears, and many -articles made of bone and reindeer’s horns, -which are always carved with representations -of polar animals.</p> - -<p>Later on, on July 2nd, on our return from -Spitzbergen, we had the opportunity of visiting, -at a few leagues from Tromsö, an encampment -of these interesting nomads.</p> - -<p>The excursion was organized and directed by -our friend, Lieutenant Norselius. The party -consisted of Dr. Lembke, Lieutenant Svedenborg, -the engineer, Stake, and myself. Herr -Aagaard, the brother of the Consul of Tromsö,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span> -was kind enough to accompany us. As he -knew a few words of the Lapp language, he -offered to act as interpreter. Some of the crew -went with us.</p> - -<p>I will not dwell here on the customs of -these people, as they have already been described -in several works. The Laplanders are -very friendly and peaceably inclined towards -strangers.</p> - -<p>In our honour they collected their reindeer -together, a herd of 400 to 500, which were -feeding on a mountain in the distance. A -chief, who was provided with a little telescope, -used it skilfully to follow the movements of -this great herd, which was driven by only two -children and a few dogs. We saw these animals -on a distant slope, all collected together, and -advancing towards us like a swarm of ants in -motion. A hill hid them from us for about -half an hour; they then reappeared at a distance -of a few hundred yards, in the midst of a -few scattered shrubs. The herd approached; -their horns, which are very large, kept interlacing, -freeing themselves, and then becoming -entangled with the shrubs which were shaken -by the compact and moving mass. It seemed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span> -like a moving forest. A fenced enclosure is set -apart for the animals. When they had to be -driven into their pen, a Laplander approached -the head of the herd, caught one of the reindeer -with the aid of a lasso, which he used as -skilfully as the hunters of the Pampas, and then -pulled it in, ringing a bell.</p> - -<p>The effect was then most curious. The attention -of the rest of the herd was attracted to -the captive which they followed at a distance, -step by step, hesitating, and advancing as if -under the influence of some peculiar fascination. -The whole herd was thus enticed into the enclosure, -the outlet of which was then shut.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus31"> -<img src="images/illus31.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span></p> -<p class="caption">SHIPS AMONG THE ICE.</p> -</div> - -<p>The captive reindeer which led the others -in was then released, and great excitement -seemed to prevail amongst all the animals. -About a dozen of them got on to a little mound -in the middle of the enclosure, and remained -there the prisoners of the others who kept -walking round them. This performance lasted -for more than half an hour. In the meantime -some of the Laplanders, armed with lassos, -caught some of the does in order to milk them, -and the whole herd was then set at liberty. -The reindeer dispersed into the thickets, quickly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span> -climbed the mountain, and soon disappeared -from view. We bought a few trifles from these -people, who are very honest in their dealings, -and at the same time very business-like. They -lose no opportunity of doing a stroke of business; -they even demanded payment if they -were photographed, and if this was refused, -they tried to screen themselves from our -cameras. The instantaneous process dismayed -them very much.</p> - -<p>After having left the camp of the Laplanders, -on our return to the seashore, our curiosity -was attracted by an enormous whale, which -had been brought to the beach to be cut up. -This mammal, which was not less than 70 feet -long, had been killed a few days before in the -Northern Seas.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">II<br /> -<span class="smaller">Arrival at Spitzbergen</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>May 26th.</i>—We were waiting in the -port of Tromsö for news of the <i>Virgo</i>, -which had left Gothenburg two days -after us, on May 20th.</p> - -<p>The day before, the <i>Svensksund</i> had laid in a -stock of provisions and coal. On the after-deck -a large cage had been made for the reception -of some sheep. We also took a great many -fowls on board, so that we should be provided -with fresh meat during our stay at Spitzbergen, -as a change from tinned provisions.</p> - -<p>As we had not received any news of the -<i>Virgo</i>, we left Tromsö at 3 p.m. to go and meet -her at an appointed place. A splendid day -cheered our hearts, and most of the inhabitants -of the town came running along the quays, and -cheered the <i>Svensksund</i> as she departed.</p> - -<p>The captain then had a cask hoisted on to -the top of the foremast, in which the look-out -man, who had orders to give notice of any -passing vessel amongst the floating ice, took -up his station.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span></p> - -<p>After this had been done, warm clothes were -distributed amongst the crew. Each received -large boots, a fur hood, gloves, etc. Our sailors -seemed quite delighted with their new outfit.</p> - -<p>At five o’clock we arrived at the appointed -place, but the <i>Virgo</i> was not there. We accordingly -took shelter in a bay whilst waiting for her.</p> - -<p>The next day, May 27th, having awoke at -3 o’clock in the morning, I went on shore with -Lieutenant Svedenborg. We went hunting -over the mountains, amidst boulders of rock -and deep ravines. We saw very little vegetation; -a few scattered bushes of prickly shrubs, -putting forth a few miserable shoots; a great -deal of moss and grass in the damp parts -surrounding the pools formed by the melting -snow. Many springs swelled the streams, -which formed numerous waterfalls on their -way down to the sea. We brought down -several birds, but lost some eiders, for these -birds, when wounded and pursued, dive to -reappear no more. They hide their bodies -from their foe, perishing at the bottom of the -sea by entangling themselves in the seaweed.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> joined us at 2 p.m. Her captain -came on board for instructions. At 6 o’clock<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span> -we weighed anchor, and set out for Spitzbergen. -Andrée hoped that we should get -there quickly, and without hindrance. The -north north-east wind which had been -blowing violently for some days, would, he -thought, drive away the floes of ice from the -coast of Greenland.</p> - -<p>For three days we were tormented by a -strong north wind, which blew a gale. The -sea was very rough. I was ill, and could eat -nothing for two days—a victim to sea-sickness. -However, I got up in the evening of May 30th. -The vibrations of the vessel were then imperceptible -to me. I was surprised at first, and -then pleased. I seemed to be waking from a -bad dream.</p> - -<p>Our boat rolled terribly, with sudden movements -due to its flat shape—movements which -were all the more frequent owing to the waves -being very choppy in the northern seas. I could -not, in spite of myself, help thinking of the -smooth and easy motion of our transatlantic -liners, where one is quite at one’s ease.</p> - -<p>I was astonished, on arriving on deck, to -see the mountains that fringe Spitzbergen, and -to hear that in three hours we should reach<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span> -Dansk-Gatt, a strait between Dane’s Island and -the Island of Amsterdam, to the north-west of -Spitzbergen, in latitude 79° 43´.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> followed us at some distance; -she too rolled a great deal. The wind was -high and cold; some blocks of ice floated -here and there, but not many. By a fortunate -circumstance the Arctic Ocean was quite free. -Andrée had predicted that it would be so, and -he was pleased to see that he would lose no -time this year. Nevertheless, those who had -never visited these shores were somewhat deceived; -they had expected to be encountering -icebergs, and meeting with unheard-of difficulties. -In fact they looked for something very -different to ordinary voyages, something which -would keep constantly before their minds the -fact that they were in the Frozen Ocean.</p> - -<p>Our wishes were soon granted; the prevailing -north-east wind had driven the ice floes -into the open sea; the ice round the coast, -being sheltered by the mountains, remained, -and the entrance to the Dansk-Gatt was quite -blocked up.</p> - -<p>We had to slacken our speed; the vessels -could only cut a passage through, pushing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span> -before them blocks of scattered ice driven -one against another, and breaking with a loud -report, terrifying the various polar birds and -disturbing the siesta of various seals, which -quickly dive and disappear behind other floes.</p> - -<p>I took some photographs, the success of -which was doubtful, as it snowed fast. Fortunately -we were quite close to Virgo Bay, -and after an hour of slow, winding, and -difficult progress, going round large masses -of ice that could not be driven aside, we -perceived the balloon shed; it was still standing! -To the right was Pike House half-hidden -by snow.</p> - -<p>We each provided ourselves with a telescope -or field-glass. The shed especially occupied -our attention; it had suffered some -damage, we noticed an alteration in it, but at -that distance it was impossible to ascertain -the extent of the injury.</p> - -<p>As we slowly approached the coast, we took -soundings every minute, and at last, at 6 p.m., -the captain gave the order to stop. The -anchors were cast, as we should probably -remain there some time; only about a hundred -yards separated us from the shore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus32"> -<img src="images/illus32.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE BALLOON CASE IN THE ICE.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span></p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i>, which should have followed us -closely in order to profit by the passage made -by the <i>Svensksund</i>, remained some distance -behind; she seemed to be impeded by the -ice and advanced very slowly. She pushed -along for another hour before casting her -anchor. Less fortunate than we were, her -screw, which had neither the flexibility nor the -resistance of ours, had been sorely damaged -by the ice.</p> - -<p>The various emotions produced by this -eventful voyage and the keen air of Spitzbergen -had sharpened all our appetites. Lieutenant -Celsing ordered us a grand dinner, -washed down with good wine and champagne, -to celebrate our arrival at Dane’s Island. I -own that, for my part, I did justice to it, after -having been so severely tried by the sea.</p> - -<p>After dinner we went on shore. Our boat -found a passage through the ice after much -groping and winding; we at last reached the -shore, which was edged with ice covered by -a layer of snow, in which we sank half-way -up to our knees. After a rapid glance at Pike -House, which we found in good condition, we -directed our steps towards the balloon shed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span> -which interested us more. The poor shed, the -base of which had partly disappeared under -the snow, had suffered greatly; it had been -wrenched round and seemed to lean towards -the east. Last year the boarding of the -second floor had been left to strengthen it; -several of these planks had been broken or -torn away by the wind, some had been carried -to some distance—we could see ends sticking -up here and there in the snow.</p> - -<p>On the western side we discovered a split -in a beam where it joined the framework. It -was this accident that had caused the wrenching -of the roof-timbers and occasioned the greater -part of the damage. However, this damage -could be repaired, and Andrée, after his examination, -expressed great satisfaction with -the work of Svedberg, the builder of this -frail edifice, which was not intended to withstand -a winter, and must have resisted great -stress of wind and weather. It is true that -last year, before leaving Spitzbergen, Andrée -had strengthened the shed as much as his -resources and the materials at his disposal -allowed, as has been seen by the foregoing -account.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">III<br /> -<span class="smaller">Preparations at Dane’s Island</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>May 31st.</i>—The day after we arrived -every one set to work.</p> - -<p>We first turned our attention to -carpentering; with the aid of pulleys and -screw-jacks we succeeded in restoring to a -certain extent the beams of wood to the -positions they had normally occupied, and they -were then fixed by steel guys.</p> - -<p>A detachment of sailors cleared away the -snow, which in the shed was over six feet -deep. This work was rendered long and -tedious by a thick layer of ice under the snow, -which had to be broken with the ice-pick; the -snow was taken away in sledges.</p> - -<p>There was a great deal to do, but our workmen -were skilful and were directed by experienced -masters. Andrée did not leave the -scene of operations all day, and watched every -detail attentively; in the evening he was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span> -happy to inform us that the damage would -be more easily repaired than he had at first -thought, and that in a fortnight the shed -would be ready to receive the balloon.</p> - -<p><i>June 1st.</i>—The work was resumed and -carried on diligently.</p> - -<p>While the carpenters were busy repairing -the shed, detachments of sailors proceeded -to unload the materials contained in each -vessel. This last operation was greatly hindered -by the floating ice, which, under the -action of the wind, was continually changing -its position, and sometimes threatened to crush -our little boats, which had to be hoisted on -deck when we were not using them. Then -the wind, which had been north-east, veered -round to the east; it drove the ice in another -direction, and seemed to be trying to send it -out of our way. Every now and then came -gusts of snow, but these did not stop the -work.</p> - -<p>The temperature varied from 30 Fahr. to -35·6; that of the sea-water was 28·4 Fahr.; -the wind alone seemed to cut our faces.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus33"> -<img src="images/illus33.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span></p> -<p class="caption">LANDING THE CAR.</p> -</div> - -<p>Not being able to take part in the work -that was going on, I passed my time as best<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span> -I could. Pike House, the description of which -has already been given, was a curiosity which -attracted my attention. I read the visitors’ -names inscribed on its walls; amongst them -I was pleased to find my uncle’s signature, -and I yielded to the temptation of adding my -own.</p> - -<p>I spent the morning in transforming one of -the rooms into a photographic laboratory.</p> - -<p>The carrier pigeons of the expedition were -placed in the attic which they had occupied -last year.</p> - -<p>Behind Pike House, buried under the snow, -were the remains of the gas apparatus. After -clearing away the snow we found that the -parts had not suffered much, and that they -could be used with the apparatus we had -brought.</p> - -<p>That evening, accompanied by Strindberg, -Fraenkel, and Svedenborg, we set out on an -excursion over the snow and ice, along the east -coast. We went as far as the little Albert -Island, which was still united to Dane’s Island -by ice. Strindberg, who is a very good shot, -succeeded in killing a seal, which we could not -take with us for want of a boat; he returned to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span> -the <i>Svensksund</i> for a boat, but the distance was -great, and the dead seal soon sank.</p> - -<p>On returning to the vessel, we saw a fine -silver fox, which was sniffing along our tracks. -He was out of the reach of our bullets, and, as -soon as he saw us, he ran off, greatly terrified -by such unexpected visitors. He stopped -from time to time to turn round and make sure -that he had not been the victim of an illusion, -and then went on his way more swiftly still, -and escaped to the mountains.</p> - -<p>On our return to Virgo Bay, it was difficult -to reach the <i>Svensksund</i>; the wind, which had -gone round to the north a little while before, -had brought a good deal of ice. There were -no longer any passages sufficiently wide to -allow a boat to be steered through them; we -stepped on to one mass of ice, and, by jumping -from one to the other, we were able to regain -the vessel.</p> - -<p><i>June 2nd.</i>—The wind had changed again -from north to east. The bay had become -cleared of a great portion of the ice with which -it was filled a few hours before.</p> - -<p>A little steam launch brought by the <i>Svensksund</i> -was then able to render useful service.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span> -The unloading went on more quickly; we -hastened on that of the <i>Virgo</i> especially, as -she was to leave us directly afterwards, carrying -news of us to our friends.</p> - -<p>Strindberg was engaged in some photographic -studies of the snow and ice; I spent -part of the day with him developing the plates.</p> - -<p><i>June 3rd.</i>—The sky was very clear at two -o’clock in the morning; there was not a cloud -upon the horizon, and there was nothing to -warn us that a few hours later a strong north -wind would bring us violent squalls laden with -snow, and at the same time bring back the ice -that had been driven away from us. This bad -weather somewhat hindered the work during -the morning. After breakfast there was a little -interlude at the expense of a seal which had -gone to sleep on a block of ice. It was more -than 200 yards from the ship, happily for itself, -for ten guns or carbines were levelled at it from -the deck, and at the word of command from the -captain a volley saluted the new-comer, who -immediately disappeared, having no doubt -formed a bad opinion of the human race.</p> - -<p>In the evening the captain and the first -lieutenant of the <i>Virgo</i> came to dine with us.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span> -At this meal some bread was eaten called -“French bread,” supplied to the expedition by -M. Schumacher, a Stockholm baker; a large -quantity of it was taken on board. This bread, -sealed up hermetically in light boxes of tinned -copper, was in a perfect state of preservation, -although then a month old.</p> - -<p><i>June 4th.</i>—During the night we experienced -a violent north-east wind, which drove the ice -into our bay, quite stopping the unloading of -large packages. By means of planks a road -was formed on the ice, and all the light -packages were carried on the men’s backs.</p> - -<p>This violent wind, however, rendered us real -service, and did a great deal towards the -repairing of the shed; it quite restored to their -places the roof-timbers, and they were soon -fixed in their places by guys, and at the same -time the planks were replaced so as to increase -the solidity of the structure.</p> - -<p><i>June 5th.</i>—The weather was very fine; the -thermometer showed 37·4 Fahr.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus34"> -<img src="images/illus34.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span></p> -<p class="caption">VIEW OF THE APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN GAS FOR THE BALLOON.</p> -</div> - -<p>Strindberg made the ascent of a neighbouring -hill situated to the west of the place -occupied by our ship. At the summit, 656 feet -above the sea-level, he fixed a mast, on which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[231]</span> -was placed an apparatus for observing the direction -of the wind. This ingenious instrument -consists of a vane carrying with it in its movements -a horizontal disc divided into eight equal -sectors. On the outer circumference, at the -points of division, are fixed vertically the -figures from 1 to 8, cut into plates of copper. -The diameter 1-5 falls in the vertical plane of -the vane, and figure 5 always faces the wind. -It is easy by means of a compass to determine -the direction from any point from which we can -read the figures of the disc. It is sufficient -to observe the angle that is made with the -magnetic meridian by the visual radius, going -to the number facing you, and to deduce from it -by a very simple calculation the angle of the -line 1-5, <i>i.e.</i>, the angle of the direction of the -wind with the north. For instance, supposing -we are to the east of the post of observation, -and number 3 is facing us, number 5, which -always faces the wind, will be at the north, the -point from which the wind comes. Every day -the explorers, by turns, every four hours, made -meteorological observations. All the instruments -were examined, and the results carefully -noted. Strindberg set up a tent on the shore,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[232]</span> -where he spent several hours a day taking -magnetic observations.</p> - -<p>Work was suspended during June 6th and -7th for the Whitsuntide holidays.</p> - -<p>Every one sought for some amusement to -pass the time; some of the sailors found one, -which was somewhat rough. They ascended a -hill covered with snow situated behind the -shed; on arriving at the summit they slid -down, toboggan fashion, from a height of -656 feet, each trying to make a record speed. -This game was not without its comic side; -often one of the men lost his position, rolling -over and over to the bottom; fortunately in the -snow there was no danger.</p> - -<p>On June 8th all the little colony went back -to work; the weather was fine, with a north -wind that piled up the ice round the ships. -The greater number of light packages were, -however, unloaded, but there was still heavy -luggage which could not be moved.</p> - -<p>On June 9th one of the gas generators was -taken off, a large wooden tank lined with lead, -which had to be handled with care, its own -weight rendering it fragile. After it had been -let down into a boat, a passage was with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[233]</span> -difficulty cut for it through the ice to the -shore.</p> - -<p>The next day other parts of the gas apparatus, -no less bulky, were taken off the <i>Virgo</i>; -the difficulties attending their unloading were -still greater than before. Armed with ice-picks, -some of the sailors tried to break up the -smaller pieces; others, provided with saws -made specially for the purpose, attacked enormous -masses. The boat advanced very slowly, -but this extra work involved an expenditure of -precious time.</p> - -<p>At last by the evening of that day all the -parts of the gas apparatus were landed. The -engineer, Stake, assisted by the mechanics, -proceeded to fix it up. Before this could be -done, it was necessary to clear away an -enormous quantity of snow which occupied the -space allotted to this installation, and which, -when swept in a circle round it, formed a -regular enclosure, a temporary fortification.</p> - -<p><i>June 11th.</i>—Strindberg and Fraenkel turned -their attention to the carrier pigeons, and, with -the aid of india-rubber wafers, fixed to the -wing and tail feathers several labels bearing -the following inscriptions:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[234]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Andrée.</span>”</p> - -<p><i>Aftonbladet.</i></p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Stockholm.</span>”</p></div> - -<p>The pigeons, moreover, were numbered consecutively; -their destination was the office of -the <i>Aftonbladet</i>, and they came from a dove-cot -situated at Maréchamm, belonging to M. -Uno Godenhejlm, formerly a post-master.</p> - -<p>I gave myself up on this day to the study of -a sport which is quite Scandinavian, the “ski” -(snow-shoes); Strindberg kindly gave me both -theoretical and practical lessons. After many -tumbles on snowy slopes, my course of instruction -was completed; I only needed practice. -This agreeable mode of locomotion is very -useful for making long journeys over the snow.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[235]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus35"> -<img src="images/illus35.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[236]</span></p> -<p class="caption">PLACING A GENERATOR.</p> -</div> - -<p>I employed part of the day in making a -fox-trap, consisting simply of a box closed on -one side by a metal grating, and on the other -by a sliding door. This latter would close -automatically when the animal touched it, a -bird fastened to the bottom of the cage serving -as a bait. In the evening I tried the sledges -which were to be taken in the balloon. I -harnessed myself to one of them, and took my -trap half a league away to the hills, where I -set it so as to be able to observe it from the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[237]</span> -<i>Svensksund</i>, whence I could see by means of a -telescope when the door of the cage was shut.</p> - -<p>I had not long to wait; the next morning -the cage was closed. I went up to the mountain, -and soon perceived through the grating of -the cage a cunning little head and two bright -eyes, which were attentively watching all my -movements.</p> - -<p>The prisoner was a young fox; there were -several species of them at Spitzbergen. We -had already seen three kinds: one was a fine -glossy black, another silvery white, and a third -had yellow and brown spots. The little captive -belonged to this last category. Seeing -himself discovered, my fox darted against the -grating, growling at my approach and showing -his pretty little sharp teeth. With many precautions, -putting my hands through the bars of -the cage, I succeeded in muzzling him and in -tying his paws together with cords. Having -thus made it impossible for him to do any -harm, I led him over the snow to Pike House, -where my arrival with my prisoner at the end -of a long string excited much curiosity and -caused considerable mirth.</p> - -<p>I hoped to take this young fox back to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[238]</span> -France. He was put in a cage, where he -received many visits from persons interested; -one of the latter not having closed the door -with sufficient care, the Spitzbergen fox, in no -way inferior to those of our own country in -point of cunning, succeeded in opening it and -recovered his liberty. He was even seen to -pause ironically for a few moments in front of -the balloon shed, where the changes that had -been made seemed to interest him.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[239]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">IV<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Landing and Preparation of the Balloon—The Inflation</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>June 12th.</i>—Two weeks had elapsed -since our arrival at Dane’s Island. The -work connected with the shed had been -pressed forward, and as Andrée had announced, -the shed was ready to receive the balloon. A -large canvas tent, made in eight equal sections, -was fixed over its entire circumference half-way -up the shed; it was drawn up in the centre by -the aid of pulleys connected with the top of the -building. We were thus comfortably sheltered -from snow or rain whilst getting the balloon -ready.</p> - -<p>The unloading of the <i>Virgo</i> was finished, -and the ship was ready to start as soon as the -ice should disperse. We went on board to -drink coffee and take a parting glass of punch.</p> - -<p><i>June 13th.</i>—On Sunday we had arranged to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[240]</span> -take a trip with the steam launch, but it was -impossible to leave our prison; the north wind, -which had blown with more violence during -the last few days, had brought us enormous -blocks of ice, detached from the ice-field and -from the glaciers. Strindberg and I took -several photographs of the floating ice, which -occupied our whole day.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i> still a prisoner.</p> - -<p><i>June 14th.</i>—We could not wait any longer -and lose the advantage of our hard work; the -case containing the balloon had to be landed.</p> - -<p>This enormous package, weighing no less -than 4,409 lbs., was pretty easily let down -from the ship on to a boat; the great difficulty -was to get it on land, although the distance to -be traversed scarcely exceeded a hundred and -twenty yards.</p> - -<p>The streams left between the ice were too -narrow, and sometimes they were even completely -blocked up.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Norselius, at the head of a band -of picked men, directed the operations. The -picks and saws did their work, widening the -narrow streams into which the boat was pushed -along the cleared space, until a fresh obstacle<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[241]</span> -was encountered. It was a real wall of ice -with which we had to deal now; ice-picks -and saws were powerless to open a path. -Lieutenant Norselius thought of an ingenious -plan, which he at once put into execution. -With the aid of a dynamite cartridge carefully -laid, he succeeded in breaking into small -pieces this portion of the ice-field; it was then -easy to part the pieces of ice, and the boat -slowly advanced, but the surrounding pieces, -which had been held back by the larger mass, -drew together, and the boat was caught -between them and then lifted up; the case -leant over on one side and threatened to fall -over. Some of the sailors hung on to the -other side, trying to restore its equilibrium, -whilst others pulled or pushed the boat, which -was still blocked up. The case was tied with -cables, one end of which was connected with -the ship and the other with the shore, then the -whole party harnessed themselves to a third -rope, trying by their united efforts to start the -boat. At last we felt it move; it was a -moment of anxiety for us all; then it glided -unchecked over the ice into an open space, -once more narrowly escaping being capsized<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[242]</span> -with its burden. Happily some of the sailors -had time to hang on to the end of a long -pole laid across the top of the case, and with -the help of the cables, equilibrium was preserved.</p> - -<p>Our fears then dispersed, all serious obstacles -were surmounted, and the rest of the work was -easy. A few more hours of toil and patience, -and after a whole day’s labour the balloon was -at length landed.</p> - -<p>Every one was glad to see her in safety after -the dangers she has passed through. Andrée -warmly thanked Lieutenant Norselius for the -zeal and skill he had displayed in this difficult -operation.</p> - -<p><i>June 15th.</i>—The balloon case, which had -been left on the bank on the previous evening, -had now to be conveyed to the shed erected a -few yards higher up. The first part of the -distance was soon covered, as the case is -dragged over greased timbers laid down in the -snow; the remainder of the journey was -rendered difficult by the huge stones by which -the route is obstructed. These difficulties, -however, were as nothing compared with those -of last night, and the case was soon got below -the shed, and afterwards hoisted on to the -flooring.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[243]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus36"> -<img src="images/illus36.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[244]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE GAS APPARATUS.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[245]</span></p> - -<p>A few hours later the balloon was stretched -and the folds spread out. It was in perfect -condition; the apertures were closed up with -discs consisting of wood, or with false valves; -it was then partially inflated with air with a -very simple inflator designed by Andrée, but -the process was a very lengthy one, as the -inflator was very feeble.</p> - -<p><i>June 16th.</i>—I spent the day inside the -balloon, where, with the help of ten seamen, I -put another coat of varnish on the seams.</p> - -<p>The <i>Virgo</i>, which has been waiting four -days in her prison of ice, can at last start to-day; -in fact, her time is up, for she must be -at Tromsö before the 20th of June, otherwise -Andrée will have to pay a heavy fine for every -day’s delay.</p> - -<p>It took two days to re-varnish the seams. -On the 18th of June all the air in the balloon -was let out so as to prepare for the inflation -by gas; the net is again placed over it, and -the valves inserted. The inflating tubes are -brought under the floor of the shed and connected -with the nozzle through an opening<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[246]</span> -made in the centre of the floor. The inflation -by gas began at seven on the morning of the -19th of June.</p> - -<p>Stake, the engineer, is superintending the -manufacture of the hydrogen. It is produced -by the action of sulphuric acid diluted with -water on iron. The acid, the strength of -which is 60°, is brought in iron drums, each -containing 220 lbs. We have 176,369 lbs. of -it, and 66,138 lbs. would suffice to inflate the -balloon.</p> - -<p>The gas apparatus was constructed at Stockholm -from well-known designs. The acid is -raised, by means of a hand pump, into a mixing -tank “C,” made to hold 2,817 pints, and meanwhile -water is introduced which reduces the -contents to a solution representing about 16°.</p> - -<p>The acidulated compound passes thence into -two lead-lined generators “G,” containing the -iron, which is dropped in as required through -a hopper placed half-way up, and closed -with a hydraulic joint. The iron shavings -put into the outside part of this hopper are -pushed down, thus forcing the shavings in -the inner part into the generator. Each -generator is closed by a lid with a hydraulic<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[247]</span> -joint. The apparatus is freed from the mud -deposited at the bottom by means of a self-closing -cock.</p> - -<p>The hydrogen produced by this reaction -passes into a purifier “L,” filled with coke, -and provided with a tapering grate; through -this grate the gas makes its way into the -washing compartment, and passes through the -column of coke in which is circulating the -water that falls from the rose attached to the -top.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus37"> -<img src="images/illus37.jpg" width="700" height="210" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">SKETCH OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HYDROGEN GAS-PRODUCING -APPARATUS.</p> -</div> - -<p>The overflow runs away through a pipe at -“U” at the bottom of the apparatus. A steam-pump -feeds the purifier and the mixing tank -with sea-water, which, by the way, is quite -suitable for this process.</p> - -<p>On leaving the purifier the hydrogen traverses -a chamber “H,” from which two tubes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[248]</span> -lead to the dryers “S”; these dryers consist -of rectangular boxes containing purifying materials -and quicklime laid on a grating near -the bottom.</p> - -<p>Before being conveyed into the balloon the -gas thus prepared passes through two testing -chambers “E,” each of which contains a thermometer, -a hygrometer, and some litmus-paper; -glass sight-holes are provided to facilitate inspection.</p> - -<p>Pressure gauges fixed in various positions -show the pressure of the gas current.</p> - -<p>This voluminous apparatus is capable of producing -5,297 to 7,000 cubic feet of gas per -hour, but Andrée will not allow the output to -exceed 2,118 cubic feet per hour, his object -being to secure a gas which has had ample -time for proper washing and purifying.</p> - -<p><i>June 20th.</i>—During the first twenty-four -hours about 42,379 cubic feet of gas were -generated.</p> - -<p>Andrée and Fraenkel are busy to-day superintending -the inflation of the balloon; the rest -are preparing for a trip northwards with the -steam-barge commanded by Lieutenant Norselius.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[249]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus38"> -<img src="images/illus38.jpg" width="700" height="450" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[250]</span></p> -<p class="caption">GETTING THE BALLOON CASE ASHORE.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[251]</span></p> - -<p>They propose reaching Red Bay, to the -N.E. of Spitzbergen, near 80° parallel.</p> - -<p>We left Virgo Bay at nine in the morning, -and steered to the north along the coast of -Smeerenburg. As we went along the guns -brought down several birds. At one o’clock -we were at Red Bay, which was one immense -ice plain reaching up to the islands at the -entrance to the bay. It was on one of these -islands, not shown in any polar chart, that we -landed and scared away a flock of eiders and -a fox which was lying in ambush for them.</p> - -<p>From our position we commanded a full -view of the entire expanse of the gulf.</p> - -<p>Here nature presents a wilder aspect than -we have ever seen her under. The bay opens -out towards the north.</p> - -<p>East and west the bay is flanked with lofty -mountains whose summits are lost in the fog; -wide fissures afford shelter to enormous numbers -of birds of various species, who build -their nests at different altitudes. Some perch -on the sharp edges of the rock, while others -describe huge curves or shoot along after the -manner of birds of prey. We noticed some -wild geese, some goelands, the “king of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[252]</span> -algæ,” the auk, and others, all filling the air -with sharp piercing cries, deafening one with -their fiendish concert.</p> - -<p>About six and a half miles to the south, and -forming the background to the gulf, a gigantic -glacier, indented with crevices, rises like a -mighty wall. The glacier is lit by a few rays -of the sun filtering through a curtain of fog, -and reflects them in tints of blue.</p> - -<p>We take a long look at this great pale-looking -expanse imperceptibly gliding towards -the sea, impelled by a slow and mysterious -force, while from it huge ice tracts are always -breaking away and crashing down with a roar -that seems like an earthquake.</p> - -<p>It would be interesting to make the tour of -Red Bay, but we are short of time, and we -ought to be provided with snow-shoes to carry -us over the snow which covers the ice. We -saw in the snow very recent footprints of bears, -but we vainly searched the horizon with our -glasses. Bruin was invisible.</p> - -<p>After a frugal repast on a rock in the open -air, we made ready for our return. A cold, -chilling fog settled down on the sea and enveloped -us for two hours. We were very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253"></a>[253]</span> -anxious to get back on board the <i>Svensksund</i> -to warm ourselves once more, for we had not -brought any warm clothing.</p> - -<p><i>June 21st and 22nd.</i>—The inflation of the -balloon still progressing. As it fills we re-varnish -the outside seams.</p> - -<p>Meantime, Andrée is preparing and fitting -out the car, adjusting the suspension ring and -the rope attachments. On the other hand, -Strindberg, Fraenkel and Svedenborg are busy -coating the guide-ropes with a compound of -grease and vaseline.</p> - -<p>To save time in the work to be done when -starting, the carpenters are demolishing the -upper portion of the shed on the north side, -as Andrée thinks this useless.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254"></a>[254]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">V<br /> -<span class="smaller">Amusements at Spitzbergen—Testing the Gas-Tightness of the -Balloon—Arrival of the Vessels <i>Express</i> and <i>Lofoten</i></span></h3> - -</div> - -<p>The inflation of the balloon was completed -on the 22nd of June at midnight. The -dome can be seen above the shed; our balloon -is now only awaiting a suitable moment for -launching forth into space.</p> - -<p>Next morning two Swedish flags float -triumphantly over the shed. But before a -start can be made, many minor matters still -remain to be attended to, small details which -always take up a very long time, and to-day -work was stopped at noon. In compliance with -Swedish custom we have been celebrating the -eve of the feast of St. John, one of the most -important Scandinavian festivals.</p> - -<p>Time hangs heavily during these days of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255"></a>[255]</span> -rest. Amusements are rare, and but little -varied at Spitzbergen. The sailors themselves -are compelled to forego one of their favourite -sports; the snow on the mountains having -partly melted, has laid bare large sharp-edged -stones, among which it would be dangerous -to practise tobogganing. However, they have -found another amusement. On the summit -of a neighbouring mountain rising up almost -in a peak, which they succeed in climbing, they -displace enormous pieces of rock, and these -roll down dragging with them an avalanche -of stone, accompanied by prolonged and deafening -sounds which are re-echoed, like the rolling -of thunder; and thus do our sailors amuse -themselves.</p> - -<p>We are no less limited than the sailors in -our choice of amusements in these deserted -regions, far away from all that makes life seem -worth living. We are longing for our nearest -and dearest; it is now a month since we became -exiles.</p> - -<p>Absorbed by vague thoughts, my looks -mechanically tend towards the open sea, hoping -to descry a sail coming to call on us and -bring us news from home. But the horizon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256"></a>[256]</span> -is bare, except that here and there a few icebergs -are floating on the waves.</p> - -<p>All around us, mountains, barren rocks, -snow, and glaciers; no vegetation to gladden -our sight, nothing but a few varieties of moss -bearing tiny white, violet, and yellow flowers; -the yellow ones, larger than the rest, resemble -very much the butter-cups, with which our -meadows are dotted in spring. The flora is -excessively poor in these icy regions. What -a contrast to the luxuriant vegetation of Brazil, -the rich and prolific nature of which country -I was admiring three years ago, being then -engaged on a mission on behalf of the Brazilian -Military Authorities!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257"></a>[257]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus39"> -<img src="images/illus39.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258"></a>[258]</span></p> -<p class="caption">ON THE TOP OF THE BALLOON.</p> -</div> - -<p>In order to overcome the melancholy which -seems to come over me to-night, I am glad -to start with Fraenkel on a boating excursion. -We take some provisions with us, and at nine -o’clock we set off hap-hazard, in glorious -sunshine. We shoot some birds, chiefly eider-geese. -Near the Albert Isle, in the Smeerenburg, -a group of seals, disporting themselves -on the ice, attracts our attention. It is impossible -to get near them by water; we -therefore alight and drag our boat up on to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259"></a>[259]</span> -the ice. But the wary animals plunge under -as soon as we approach. It is no use waiting -for them over their holes, as the seal will -travel a long way under water, in order to -re-emerge some hundreds of yards away from -the place where it dives. It then proceeds -to make a fresh hole; with its breath alone, -emitted and inhaled repeatedly, it can pierce -masses of this ice, measuring at least a yard -in thickness.</p> - -<p>Not far from the place where the seals disappeared, -there is an opening free from ice; -we decide, at all events, to wait some minutes -on the brink of this pond. Two of the seals -appear, and are at once greeted by us with -bullets; the water is dyed red with blood over -a large expanse, but the two animals, though -wounded in the head, have strength enough -left to dive under the ice, there to die.</p> - -<p>Baffled in this attempt, we return to our -boat and continue our trip in the Smeerenburg -in a south-easterly direction; we wish to -reach the glaciers haunted by bears, but a thick -fog surprises us on our way and stops our -progress. We have no compass; in order to -get back and avoid losing ourselves in the fog<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260"></a>[260]</span> -we are obliged to follow the coast-line, which -considerably increases the distance to be -covered. Objects are beginning to assume -fantastic forms in the fog. At one part of the -coast which I know perfectly well, having -roamed over it several times, a rock of from -sixteen to nineteen feet high appears to us -a mountain of respectable dimensions; further -on, the ice round the coast is about six feet -above the water, and this looks to us like a -colossal glacier; then we come across some -eider-geese, which animals seem to assume -awful dimensions, appearing to us about thirty-two -feet high. Finally, becoming more and -more subject to these curious effects of optical -illusion, taking small blocks of ice for -enormous icebergs, we imagine we can identify -a walrus in a moving mass which appears to -be the size of a small whale: we approach the -animal, whose true nature we recognise when -its size still appears to be thirteen or sixteen -feet—it is a small bird of the size of a pigeon.</p> - -<p>After several hours of a dispiriting journey -made in the damp and penetrating cold, tossed -to and fro by the waves, which have become -very rough, while the water, lashed by a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261"></a>[261]</span> -contrary wind, is constantly dashing in our -faces, we arrive near Virgo Bay at the very -moment when the fog commences to clear, -and with it these phantasmagoric effects -gradually disappear.</p> - -<p>We feel as if we had awakened from a -hideous nightmare, and are glad to see the sun -once more, shedding its warm rays upon us.</p> - -<p>We return on board the <i>Svensksund</i> at 6 -a.m., after roaming about on the sea for nine -hours, and just at the time when all on board -are waking up.</p> - -<p>We celebrate St. John’s day as far as we -can under the circumstances; at night a -copious dinner is served, and we are much -astonished at seeing such a variety of dishes -set before us, although more than a month has -elapsed since we last renewed supplies; this -is a surprise reserved for us by Lieut. Celsing, -who acts as steward on board our craft.</p> - -<p><i>June 25th.</i>—A most pleasant awakening: a -sailor puts into my hands a parcel of letters -and journals—news from France. None but -they who have had the experience of being -separated from their nearest and dearest, far -from their native land, in a dull and desolate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262"></a>[262]</span> -region like Spitzbergen, can ever know the -joy experienced when a chance mail unexpectedly -brings news from those one holds most -dear.</p> - -<p>I eagerly scan the letters and journals before -troubling myself about ascertaining the name -of the vessel which brought them. I then -learn that it is a little sloop, the <i>Express</i>, chartered -at Tromsö by three German tourists, -Messrs. Th. Lerner, Dr. Fr. Violet, and G. -Meisenbach, who have come to Spitzbergen -for a few weeks. The small steamer has been -severely tried during her passage by a storm -which swept away two of her boats; she leaves -to-night for the north, for Mossel Bay, where -there is a “refuge” containing a store of -provisions and boats intended for the shipwrecked; -our tourists will find boats there to -replace those they have lost.</p> - -<p><i>June 26th.</i>—Stake, the engineer, spent yesterday -in preparing wide strips of light material -which, after being impregnated with acetate -of lead, are blackened at those parts which -come in contact with the sulphuretted hydrogen -gas.</p> - -<p>Placed on the seams of the balloon, these<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263"></a>[263]</span> -strips enabled us to perceive the slightest traces -of an escape of gas. But the practical application -of this method was difficult and required -some care. For getting on to the balloon, -the extremities of a horizontal cable crossing -the shed transversely were fixed to the two -highest poles at the top; a pulley supporting -a double rope was passed over the cable; we -placed one leg on the loop and slid through -space to the balloon. When we wished to -return, two men drew back the pulley by -means of a pulley-tackle. Some sailors found it -a quicker and more satisfactory plan to descend -by the meshes of the net.</p> - -<p>Eight and sometimes ten of us were at work -on the dome of the inflated balloon, and we -had to perform compulsory gymnastic feats in -order to support ourselves amidst the cordage -of the net.</p> - -<p>The sailors, being accustomed to this kind -of exercise, climbed about the balloon quite at -their ease; but I must confess that at first I -had a slight feeling of dizziness; this, however, -soon passed off.</p> - -<p>It was a curious sight to see so many men -on this silken envelope, which is the only<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264"></a>[264]</span> -barrier to the gas. The fact is unprecedented -in the history of balloons.</p> - -<p>If the work that we were engaged upon was -long and difficult, the result was no less satisfactory. -We found in this manner some very -slight escapes of gas, which were at once carefully -stopped.</p> - -<p><i>June 27th, Sunday.</i>—We received a visit -from a Norwegian vessel, the <i>Lofoten</i>, commanded -by Captain Sverdrup, ex-captain of -the <i>Fram</i>, who accompanied Dr. Nansen on -his recent expedition to the Polar regions.</p> - -<p>Among the passengers on board this vessel -were Mr. Stadling, one of the members of the -Andrée expedition last year, and already -known to the reader. He will remain with us -henceforth, but there being no room on board -the <i>Svensksund</i>, Stadling will take up his residence -at Pike House.</p> - -<p>The little sloop <i>Express</i> was returning from -its voyage northwards to Mossel Bay; three -steamers had met in Virgo Bay, and gave the -place an aspect of cheerfulness and animation -rarely observed there.</p> - -<p>The <i>Lofoten</i>, which had started from Hammerfest -on the 23rd of June, brought us some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265"></a>[265]</span> -letters and papers. Unhappily some of the -Swedish journals contained the sad news of the -death of Baron Dickson, the generous Mæcenas -of M. Andrée, who, on the eve of our departure -from Gothenburg, invited all the members -of the expedition, and was most profuse -in his words of encouragement to the bold -explorers.</p> - -<p>We take this opportunity of testifying our -respect for the great man, the philanthropist, -the <i>savant</i>, snatched away from his friends -before he had seen the achievement of the -grand work with which he had associated his -name.</p> - -<p>Let us offer to his memory the tribute of our -respectful admiration and gratitude.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266"></a>[266]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">VI<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Last Preparations—Anticipations</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>June 28th.</i>—The balloon had now been -inflated for more than five days; it -had undergone a loss of gas which may -be approximately estimated at 5,297 to 5,956 -cubic feet, or a mean loss of 1,059 to 1,236 -cubic feet every twenty-four hours. When the -tests which we were making, and which were -to be continued as far as the equator of the -balloon, should be concluded, it would have -become still more air-tight, and the balloon -would then be in excellent condition.</p> - -<p>The <i>Lofoten</i> left us this morning at six -o’clock, firing off four salutes from her guns, -and with reiterated cheering. From the top -of the balloon I watched the evolutions of the -graceful vessel as she described a parabola -round the <i>Svensksund</i>; her flags were raised -and lowered, and then the <i>Lofoten</i> rapidly -glided away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267"></a>[267]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus40"> -<img src="images/illus40.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268"></a>[268]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE INFLATED BALLOON IN ITS SHED, THE NORTHERN PART -OF WHICH HAS BEEN REMOVED IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ITS DEPARTURE.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269"></a>[269]</span></p> - -<p>The work of looking for escapes was concluded -on this day.</p> - -<p>The cover for protecting the balloon from -snow and rain was placed over the dome.</p> - -<p>Andrée has finished adjusting the hoop to -the car; the systems of pulleys, tackle, rigging -attachments, etc., had all been most carefully -prepared.</p> - -<p><i>June 29th.</i>—The hoop was then disconnected -in order to be fastened to the rigging of the -net. This operation being effected, we fixed -on this hoop, horizontally, a bamboo pole; -to this mast the sails, which already hung from -the ropes, were to be fixed. A system of -pulleys and tackle was arranged to effect the -various manipulations required between the car -and the hoop.</p> - -<p>The three guide-ropes, weighing 1,984 lbs., -were stretched from the shore to the hoop, and -also eight other cables, each 76 yards long -and weighing together 881 lbs. These latter, -together with the guide-ropes, serve to prevent -the balloon from coming too close to the earth, -giving the effect of throwing out ballast to the -extent of 881 lbs. more than the weight of the -guide-ropes before the car could touch the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270"></a>[270]</span> -ground. Under these conditions, the balloon -will always keep its centre of gravity, even -when exposed to a storm. The above-mentioned -eight ropes serve another important -purpose: they can be used to lengthen the -guide-ropes in case it should be necessary to -sacrifice those parts that fix into the ground -at any time during the journey. Andrée can -get rid of the lower part of the guide-ropes -by a screw locked by a spring which connects -this part with the rest of the hoop; a turn -given from the top of the car is sufficient to -start the spring and the screw. A second -method consists of a dynamite explosive. This -last method is preferable, for, in this case, only -the part connected with the ground is lost.</p> - -<p>The storing of the car was almost finished. -A number of articles of all kinds were placed -in it: scientific instruments, compasses, sextants, -telescopes; photographic appliances and -accessories; pharmaceutical preparations; culinary -articles, lamps and electric batteries, arms, -ammunition, etc., etc.; no space but what is -utilised or is set apart for some particular purpose, -and still a large space is left for a bed and -some furs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271"></a>[271]</span></p> - -<p>The provisions for the expedition were unpacked -and exhibited in one of the rooms of -Pike House. As was the case last year, they -consisted of preserved foods and wines of all -kinds. Dr. Lembke superintended their storage. -They were packed in labelled pockets -made of strong material, joined together and -laid one over another so as to form one long -bag; thirty-six similar bags containing 1,663 -lbs. of food were attached to the top of the -hoop by thirty-six suspending ropes.</p> - -<p>Andrée is taking enough for four months -only. He thinks this is sufficient, and that, -if he should have to winter upon the ice, their -arms will give them the opportunity of laying -in a fresh stock of provisions. Pointing to his -cartridges, he said, smiling, “There is some -concentrated food.”</p> - -<p>The various provisions left behind were carefully -stored in Pike House; there was a great -deal, enough to feed a large party for a whole -year.</p> - -<p>Twelve remaining ropes were hung with -sledges, snow-shoes, a boat formed of a -wooden framework that can be taken to pieces, -and covered with a double covering of water-proofed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272"></a>[272]</span> -material of the same nature as the -envelope of the balloon. This very light boat -measured six yards in length; it was a marvel -of skilful construction.</p> - -<p>Every one was surprised to see the quantity -of things that could be stowed away in the -rigging, without causing any confusion, and -arranged over the platform of the hoop, within -reach.</p> - -<p>On the hoop itself, a number of articles were -placed: picks, shovels, hatchets, anchors, a -little windlass, buoys, etc. All these articles -are of bronze or copper; the hatchets have a -steel blade, set in copper. Andrée takes with -him twelve despatch buoys, each consisting of -a sphere of cork 7⅘ inches in diameter coated -with a thick coat of paint, partly blue and -partly yellow, and protected by a network of -copper wire. At the bottom the buoy is -weighted by a cone filled with lead, which -gives it the appearance of a top; at the upper -portion is a copper stopper inscribed with the -words “Andrée’s Polar Expedition, 1896,” and -a number. This stopper closes a cavity cut in -the cork to receive a tube, in which will be -enclosed documents or messages from the explorers.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273"></a>[273]</span> -The buoy is surmounted by a spiral -spring of copper supporting a little Swedish -flag of thin metal.</p> - -<p>The buoys will be thrown out at different -points of the voyage of the balloon. A thirteenth, -larger than the others, will be left at -that point of the route that shall be the nearest -to the geographical pole that can be reached by -the balloon.</p> - -<p><i>July 1st.</i>—We then proceeded to estimate -the ascending power of the balloon. It was -calculated that it could carry 3,747 lbs. of ballast, -including that part of the cordage intended to -be used as ballast, and that it could keep up for -a minimum period of thirty to thirty-five days. -This period could be extended in case of need, -by sacrificing the sails and other parts that had -become useless, the car if necessary, and part -of the guide-ropes, as the explorers could still -take refuge on the hoop, to which was attached -all their provisions and necessaries. In this -manner nearly 1,763 lbs. of supplementary -ballast could be obtained, which would increase -the length of the voyage by twenty days.</p> - -<p>The aeronauts could thus remain in the air -for more than fifty days, and at the same time<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274"></a>[274]</span> -keep their food and the necessary apparatus -and cordage. Thus their departure would take -place under most promising conditions.</p> - -<p>As to the point of landing, the chances seem -to point most to Siberia, which offers a very -large extent of land; next in order of probability -comes Alaska, in North America. Andrée -did not think that the balloon could be drawn -towards Greenland, with its gigantic glaciers -attaining to such great altitudes, as the surrounding -lower strata of air cool rapidly by -contact with this boundless frozen mass, and -currents would be formed there that would -radiate in all directions. Only the currents of -the upper atmosphere would approach these -regions; but the Andrée balloon always travels -close to the earth, which is, moreover, another -point in favour of its longevity. We need not -fear, therefore, that the explorers will be lost in -the glaciers of Greenland.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275"></a>[275]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus41"> -<img src="images/illus41.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276"></a>[276]</span></p> -<p class="caption">THE MEMBERS OF THE EXPEDITION.</p> -</div> - -<p>Variable winds may drive the balloon for -several days over the ice-field and over the -ocean, before it can meet with a spot favourable -to its descent. We have already seen -that it could keep up for more than fifty days; -therefore, unless any serious accident or unforeseen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277"></a>[277]</span> -delay occurs, there is every reason to -hope that before this time the aeronauts will -have set foot on some hospitable ground. If, -owing to some unforeseen cause, they should -be obliged to descend on the ice-field, they -would have to return in the same way as Dr. -Nansen.</p> - -<p>He, after leaving his ship, the <i>Fram</i>, in -company with Lieutenant Johannsen, remained -for fifteen months on the ice-field with only -three months’ provisions.</p> - -<p>Andrée took with him thirty-two carrier -pigeons. We expect that some will return to -Dane’s Island, where they have stayed for more -than a month, and that they will bring us news -of our friends. But we fear that these messengers -will never return to Sweden; from -Spitzbergen alone, they would have to travel -a distance of nearly 1,637 miles in order to -find their dove-cot. Those set free at the -Pole would therefore have to travel more than -2,188 miles, and over the greater part of the -journey they would find neither shelter nor -food. Such great distances have never before, -to my knowledge, been traversed by carrier -pigeons, and, probably, those belonging to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278"></a>[278]</span> -expedition will not leave the balloon where -they are lodged and fed, or if they do leave it, -it will be to lose themselves in the Arctic -regions and there perish miserably.</p> - -<p>Andrée told us, therefore, not to be uneasy -if we received no news of him for a year, as -he might descend at a spot from which communication -with other countries would be difficult, -which would oblige him to winter with -the Lapps or Esquimaux, or in an uninhabited -part, where he would be left to his own resources, -and he would then not be able to -return till the following year.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279"></a>[279]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">VII<br /> -<span class="smaller">Before the Departure—Waiting for the South Wind</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>June 30th.</i>—Andrée called us together -to discuss the methods to be employed -for starting his balloon. One great difficulty -was, how to get the balloon out of its -enclosure without the silk running the risk of -being damaged by the wood of the shed.</p> - -<p>Every one gave his opinion, and from all -the suggestions put forward, the following conclusions -were drawn:—</p> - -<p>(1) All projecting parts of the shed against -which the balloon might be injured should be -covered with a thick pad of felt, in order to -prevent any accident to the silk.</p> - -<p>(2) The balloon, at its equator, should be -protected by wide straps, which should be -attached to the south side of the shed, so as to -prevent it rolling against the mooring posts -under the action of the wind.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280"></a>[280]</span></p> - -<p>(3) The south side of the shed should be -closed as high as possible, and the highest -floor should be provided with canvas to add -to the height of the shelter; the canvas should -be stretched out only at the last moment.</p> - -<p>(4) For starting, the balloon should be held -firmly to the ground by three cables attached -to the hoop. It should be allowed to ascend -to a sufficient height to allow of the car being -placed in position, and then we should only have -to free the balloon from its straps and cut the -cables, in order to set it at liberty.</p> - -<p>Orders were then given to put into immediate -execution the operations decided -upon.</p> - -<p>The carpenters at once proceeded to the -supports of the shed and padded all the projecting -parts inside, whilst the sailors hastened -to prepare the straps and the required -canvas.</p> - -<p>The polar balloon was soon ready to be -launched into the air. Only the final operations -remained to be carried out: the south -side of the structure would have to be demolished, -but this would not take long. Andrée -having already had two floors demolished, only<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281"></a>[281]</span> -one remained to be removed; the ground floor, -as it was not in the way, would be left to -support the structure.</p> - -<p>The placing of the car in position would only -take a few minutes.</p> - -<p>For the next few days we waited for the -favourable wind.</p> - -<p>Since our arrival at Spitzbergen, north winds -had been blowing continuously. We had had -no breeze from the south worth mentioning; -the direction of the wind had always varied -within the west-north-east sector. Andrée -augured favourably from this; he hoped, and -was even persuaded, that this state of affairs -could not last much longer, that a change -would soon take place in the atmosphere of -the Arctic regions, and that south winds would -prevail in their turn.</p> - -<p>These days of waiting were very dull and -monotonous. Idleness made us depressed; we -sought for distractions. At meal-times, when -all the members of the large family were -assembled together, cheerfulness was restored, -and, on the slightest excuse, we did not fail to -give little entertainments, sometimes original -and comic, which gave us all pleasure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282"></a>[282]</span></p> - -<p>In Sweden, birthdays are always celebrated -with great rejoicings, the person interested receiving -presents, congratulations, etc. July 1st -was the birthday of Dr. Lembke, a very genial -and agreeable companion, on whom we had -conferred, since our arrival at Dane’s Island, -the title of “King of Spitzbergen,” on account -of his corpulence and great stature.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283"></a>[283]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;" id="illus42"> -<img src="images/illus42.jpg" width="500" height="700" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284"></a>[284]</span></p> -<p class="caption">ON THE BRIDGE OF THE <i>SVENSKSUND</i>: MESSRS. -FRAENKEL, ANDRÉE, SVEDENBORG, AND STRINDBERG.</p> -</div> - -<p>We were all racking our brains to think of -a present to offer His Majesty; but this was -very difficult at Spitzbergen, where resources -were necessarily limited. Nevertheless, we -made our preparations, and in the morning, -before our doctor was awake, each one brought -his offering. Strindberg’s was a royal crown -made out of a piece of silk gas tubing, the -upper part of which he had fashioned most -artistically; Fraenkel’s, a balloon of gold-beater’s -skin, inflated with hydrogen, ornamented -with long streamers of gay colours; -the engineer Stake’s, a box of handkerchiefs -cut out of the bands of stuff used to test the -impermeability of the balloon; another brought -some eiders’ eggs bearing humorous inscriptions; -lastly, boxes of chocolate, biscuits, -bonbons, fruit, etc., etc., and a bouquet composed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_285"></a>[285]</span> -of mosses and white and violet flowers, -representing all the flora of the region.</p> - -<p>At table, the doctor’s place was decorated -with a large garland of different mosses, on -which were laid raisins, almonds, oranges, etc.</p> - -<p>The offering of the gifts was a very interesting -little ceremony; each gift, more or less -original, was received with good-humoured -hilarity. And, in the evening, the champagne -flowed merrily to emphasize our good wishes -to the “King of Spitzbergen,” whose fund of -amusing and funny stories seemed inexhaustible, -but who asked to be allowed to resign -his crown in order to pass his life more cheerfully -and simply amongst his own people.</p> - -<p><i>July 5th.</i>—Since our arrival at Dane’s Island, -after the first three or four days we had neither -rain nor snow. The temperature, which varied -very little, had always kept a few degrees -above freezing point; a pleasant warmth was -felt in the sun, when we were sheltered from -the wind.</p> - -<p>On this day, the change foretold by Andrée -seemed to be coming, and for the first time -since our arrival it rained, and the wind blew -from the south-east.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_286"></a>[286]</span></p> - -<p><i>July 6th.</i>—The south wind at last, so long -awaited, so ardently desired! It blew a gale. -The rain had ceased; heavy clouds were passing -northwards; a few hours would be -sufficient to take the explorers to their destination.</p> - -<p>Andrée devoted himself to meteorological -observations while the first preparations were -being made. The gas apparatus was set going -at once to fill up the balloon.</p> - -<p>Soon everything was ready; they were only -waiting for Andrée’s orders to demolish the -shed. He, absorbed by his observations, was -meditating and seemed undecided. He kept -going from one instrument to another, taking -the direction of the wind from various points, -comparing this direction with that of the -clouds: it seemed difficult to him to come to -a decision. The barometer had fallen too -rapidly. Certainly the start would have to be -made during a barometric depression, but we -expected it to be slow and gradual. At last, -after two hours’ observations, Andrée came -slowly back to us to tell us the result of his -researches. In a calm, firm voice, he said he -should not start that day, because the wind,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287"></a>[287]</span> -then very favourable, would not last long. -He was very vexed, but he hoped that before -long there would be other currents of air, more -stable and more favourable. Nevertheless, he -said when once the 15th of July was past, he -would start on the first opportunity, even if the -atmospheric conditions were only moderately -favourable; but now he feared to compromise -the success of the expedition by a premature -departure.</p> - -<p>It will be seen that Andrée combined great -prudence with his scientific experience; moreover, -his predictions proved correct. The next -day, the south wind was succeeded by a north -wind, and we still waited.</p> - -<p><i>July 9th.</i>—Bad weather, rain and a west -wind. A Norwegian sailing vessel took refuge -in our bay. It was returning from the ice-field, -where the crew had been hunting seals, and -had killed more than 700. The sailors were -engaged in cutting up the animals; the skins -were salted and the fat stored in barrels to be -melted down.</p> - -<p><i>July 10th.</i>—The bad weather continued, with -cold fogs and rain.</p> - -<p>The <i>Lofoten</i> visited us for the second time<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288"></a>[288]</span> -with more tourists. Amongst them, I was -pleased to meet some friends of our family: -M. and Mme. H. Vieillard, and two other -French travellers, M. Obermeyer, editor of the -<i>Figaro</i>, and his wife. I much regretted not -having time to say much to my fellow-countrymen. -The <i>Lofoten</i> is engaged in a regular -service between Hammerfest and Advent Bay; -she had little time to spare, having extended -her trip to come to Dane’s Island, and could -not stop more than an hour in Virgo Bay.</p> - -<p>In the evening the sky cleared, the rain -ceased, and a strong wind blew from the south-west. -The barometer, which had been falling -for two days, still continued to do so slowly. -We now had a chance of a wind favourable to -our expedition.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289"></a>[289]</span></p> - -<h3 class="nobreak">VIII<br /> -<span class="smaller">The Departure</span></h3> - -</div> - -<p><i>Sunday, July 11th.</i>—A decided south -wind! Would it last this time, or would -it again prove a delusion?</p> - -<p>Andrée and his companions consulted for -some time the various instruments from each -post of observation. The atmospheric conditions -seemed favourable.</p> - -<p>Together with Andrée, we went to the top -of the shed to examine carefully the work that -had been done, and to arrange about the preparations -for starting. The wind was very -violent. The wooden structure trembled under -our feet; I feared sometimes that it would be -blown down, and the balloon destroyed. But -this apparently light structure was really very -solidly built, of which fact it had furnished -excellent proofs. Moreover, it was sheltered -by a hill 329 feet high.</p> - -<p>After having enumerated the various operations -to be performed, Andrée returned to his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290"></a>[290]</span> -observations for a few minutes. The result -was favourable. The direction of the wind -seemed quite settled; but he did not give the -order to start. This time he dared not take -the sole responsibility of this decision, so he -consulted his fellow-travellers. It was a very -delicate question for the members staying behind, -Svedenborg and myself, to decide; the -decision rested rather with those directly interested. -Strindberg and Fraenkel wished to -start at once, and besides, what were we waiting -for? Time was passing, the season was -advancing; therefore, the sooner, the better.</p> - -<p>Andrée did not express his opinion; it was -not necessary, we guessed it. He was burning -to set out for the conquest of the Pole; and he -only said, “The departure is decided upon.”</p> - -<p>We returned on board the <i>Svensksund</i>, -where the sailors in uniform, and in the presence -of the officers, were attending a short -religious service, after having been reviewed as -usual on Sunday.</p> - -<p>As soon as the decision was known, Captain -Ehrensvärd gave orders for the whole crew to -resume their working clothes immediately.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_291"></a>[291]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;" id="illus43"> -<img src="images/illus43.jpg" width="500" height="700" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_292"></a>[292]</span></p> -<p class="caption">K. FRAENKEL.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_293"></a>[293]</span></p> - -<p>Two Norwegian sailing vessels, returning -from the north, entered the bay, and made -ready to cast anchor opposite the shed. Signals -were exchanged, to ask them to take up a -different position, so as to leave a free passage -for the Andrée balloon, which would start in a -few hours.</p> - -<p>The workers are ready, and are being taken -ashore by the boats.</p> - -<p>The carpenters and a detachment of sailors -go quickly up into the shed, and demolish the -northern portion with surprising rapidity.</p> - -<p>It is 11 o’clock in the morning. Andrée is -standing before the shed, observing everything. -His orders follow one another, brief and rapid; -his voice resounds, rendered still stronger by a -speaking trumpet. Nothing is heard but the -crackling of the wood as it is broken away, and -the wooden beams as they come crashing to -the ground. A detachment of men clear away -the rubbish as it falls.</p> - -<p>On the south side, at the top of the shed, -sailors are stretching the canvas between the -masts, thus increasing by 13 feet the height of -the roof.</p> - -<p>Everywhere is feverish activity; the preparations -go on rapidly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_294"></a>[294]</span></p> - -<p>We now turn our attention to the balloon, -which slowly rises, as the bags of ballast are -slowly let down from mesh to mesh until they -stop at the hoop.</p> - -<p>The wind becomes more and more violent. -Puffs reach the balloon, which sways greatly -from side to side; the equatorial straps support -it well, and restrain its movements.</p> - -<p>The cords are then arranged which work the -valves and the rending flap. These delicate -parts require constant inspection during these -last operations, in order to prevent their working -badly. Stadling hangs over the circle, on -to a horizontal rope, a series of baskets in -which were the carrier pigeons. This preliminary -part of the preparations being concluded, -the ballast bags are withdrawn until the -balloon is properly balanced. The hoop remains -firmly held to the ground by three cables -long enough to enable it to rise sufficiently -high for the car to be fixed in position. The -rest of the ballast bags are collected into -three groups, hung to the hoop by three -ropes.</p> - -<p>The car, which, with all its contents, weighs -nearly 1,102 lbs., is brought under. It is slipped<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_295"></a>[295]</span> -into its place, and quickly fastened to the hoop -by the six cables supporting it.</p> - -<p>Andrée walks round the balloon and round -the shed, giving a last glance at every detail, -satisfying himself that everything is ready and -in good working order.</p> - -<p>The solemn hour has arrived.</p> - -<p>Strindberg, who has always been a great -friend of mine, as we have a mutual sympathy -with one another, begs me to send his <i>fiancée</i> -proofs of the last photographs that I shall -succeed in developing, and which would interest -her. He shows great emotion while -speaking to me; it is not fear of the perils that -he is about to face, but other sentiments that -are agitating him at this moment. It is easy -for me to guess what they are.</p> - -<p>When will he see again that charming -Swedish girl, whose photograph which he -has so often shown me, and carries next his -heart?</p> - -<p>How many days, how many months, will she -be anxiously waiting, and receiving no news?</p> - -<p>What anxiety, what suspense, await that -poor young girl?</p> - -<p>But what joy will follow the glorious return<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_296"></a>[296]</span> -of her beloved! What firm bonds of affection -will bind them together after this long, hard -separation!</p> - -<p>Oh! how I wish them this happiness with -all my heart!</p> - -<p>Greatly affected myself, I shake convulsively -the hand of my friend, who is leaving all that -he holds dearest in the world for the glorious -accomplishment of a scientific enterprise, and -with a final clasp I promise him once again -that his wish will be a sacred duty to me!</p> - -<p>He gives me a last letter for his <i>fiancée</i>; then, -controlling the emotion which was overcoming -him, he rejoins Andrée and Fraenkel, who are -also taking leave of their friends.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_297"></a>[297]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;" id="illus44"> -<img src="images/illus44.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_298"></a>[298]</span></p> -<p class="caption">VIEW OF THE BALLOON TAKEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER ITS DEPARTURE.</p> -</div> - -<p>Andrée is thanking all the members of the -expedition for the help they have rendered him -in his enterprise. He gives the captain several -telegrams written in haste at the last minute; -one, addressed to the King of Sweden, is -worded thus:—</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="right">“<span class="smcap">Spitzbergen</span>, <i>July 11th</i>, 2.25 p.m.</p> - -<p>“At the moment of their departure, the -members of the expedition to the North Pole -beg Your Majesty to accept their very humble<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_299"></a>[299]</span> -salutations, and the assurance of their deepest -gratitude.</p> - -<p class="right">“<span class="allsmcap">ANDRÉE.</span>”</p> - -</div> - -<p>Another telegram, addressed to the <i>Aftonbladet</i>, -Stockholm, said:—</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p>“In accordance with our decision previously -arrived at, we commenced on Sunday, at 10.45, -the preparations for our ascent, and at this -moment, 2.30 p.m., we are ready to start.</p> - -<p>“We shall probably be driven in a north-north-easterly -direction. We hope gradually -to reach regions where the winds will be more -favourable to us.</p> - -<p>“In the name of all our comrades, I send -our warmest regards to our friends, and to our -country!</p> - -<p class="right">“<span class="allsmcap">ANDRÉE.</span>”</p> - -</div> - -<p>The last farewells are brief and touching; -few words are exchanged, but hearty handclasps -between those whose hearts are in -sympathy say more than words.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Andrée snatches himself away -from the embraces of his friends, and takes -his place on the wicker bridge of the car, -from whence he calls in a firm voice:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_300"></a>[300]</span></p> - -<p>“Strindberg,—Fraenkel,—let us go!”</p> - -<p>His two companions at once take their -places beside him. They are all three armed -with a knife for cutting the ropes supporting -the groups of ballast bags.</p> - -<p>This being done, Captain Ehrensvärd and -Lieutenants Norselius and Celsing give their -sailors orders which are at once put into execution.</p> - -<p>The equatorial straps fall at one stroke.</p> - -<p>The balloon, freed from this restraint, moves -slightly; it quits the state of torpor in which it -seemed to be plunged; it now seems to have -come to life, and, notwithstanding its shelter, -it rolls greatly on its lower moorings, from -which it tries to free itself.</p> - -<p>We wait a few seconds, in order to seize a -moment of calm, before the order is given to -start.</p> - -<p>Three of the most adroit sailors, armed with -knives, hold themselves in readiness, at a -given signal, to cut the three cables by which -alone the balloon is now held captive.</p> - -<p>The entire crew of the <i>Svensksund</i> are present, -and also the crews of the three Norwegian -whaling vessels anchored in Virgo Bay.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_301"></a>[301]</span></p> - -<p>There is profound silence at this minute; -we only hear the whistling of the wind through -the woodwork of the shed, and the flapping of -the canvas, which hangs over the upper part of -the south side.</p> - -<p>Amongst the cordage of the car are seen the -three heroes, standing admirably cool and calm.</p> - -<p>Andrée is always calm, cold, and impassible. -Not a trace of emotion is visible on his countenance; -nothing but an expression of firm resolution -and an indomitable will.</p> - -<p>He is just the man for such an enterprise; -and he is well seconded by his two companions.</p> - -<p>At length the decisive moment arrives.</p> - -<p>“One! Two! Cut!” cries Andrée in Swedish.</p> - -<p>The three sailors obey the order simultaneously, -and in one second the aerial ship, free -and unfettered, rises majestically into space, -saluted with our heartiest cheers.</p> - -<p>We rush to the doors to get out of the shed. -I have the chance of getting out first through a -secret opening I have made in the woodwork, -so as to be able to rush to my photographic -apparatus and have time to take a few snapshots -at this stupendous moment.</p> - -<p>Being encumbered with the heavy cordage<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_302"></a>[302]</span> -that it takes with it, the balloon does not rise -to a height of 328 feet.</p> - -<p>It is dragged by the wind.</p> - -<p>Behind the mountain that is sheltering us -stormy winds are raging, and a current of air -sweeps down from the summit and attacks the -balloon, which for a moment descends rapidly -towards the sea. This incident, which we had -foreseen before the departure, but the natural -cause of which struck few of the spectators at -the moment, produces great excitement amongst -some of us. The sailors rush to the boats to be -ready to lend assistance to the explorers, whom -they expect to see engulfed in the waves. Their -alarm was of short duration; the descending -movement soon becomes slower, and the car just -touches the water and ascends again immediately.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, the lower parts of the guide-ropes, -which were made so as to become detached -if they should be caught in the ground, -have remained on the shore. At the start the -ropes were caught in some rocks on the shore, -and the screws for separating the parts worked. -But Andrée is well provided against this loss, -so that this accident is not likely to have -serious consequences.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_303"></a>[303]</span></p> - -<p>At the edge of the water, on the beach -studded with rocks and large stones, we all -stand, breathlessly watching the various phases, -rapidly following one upon another, of the -commencement of this stirring and unprecedented -aerial journey.</p> - -<p>The balloon, which has now righted itself at -about 164 feet above the sea, is rapidly speeding -away; the guide-ropes glide over the water, -making a very perceptible wake, which is visible -from its starting point, like the track made by -a ship. The state of affairs seems to us on the -shore to be the best that could be hoped for. -We exchange last signals of farewell with our -friends; hats and handkerchiefs are waved -frantically.</p> - -<p>Soon we can no longer distinguish the -aeronauts; but we can see that they are -arranging their sails, as these latter are displayed -in succession on their bamboo mast; -then we observe a change of direction. The -balloon is now travelling straight to the north; -it goes along swiftly, notwithstanding the -resistance that must be offered by the dragging -ropes; we estimate its speed at from 18 to 22 -miles an hour. If it keeps up this initial speed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_304"></a>[304]</span> -and the same direction, it will reach the Pole -in less than two days.</p> - -<p>The aerial globe seems now no bigger than -an egg. On the horizon an obstacle appears -in the route; this is the continuation of a -chain of mountains about 328 feet high right -in the path of the balloon, which seems very -close to the obstacle, and some of the sailors -round me, who have never before seen a balloon -start on its trip, seem in great terror; they -think the balloon will be hopelessly wrecked. -I reassure them, telling them that the balloon -is still far away from the hills, which will be -easily surmounted, without there even being -any necessity to throw out ballast.</p> - -<p>The balloon travels on, maintained at the -same altitude by the guide-ropes. In the -neighbourhood of the hills there is an upward -current of air; the balloon will follow this; -it would only risk striking against the obstacle -if the movement were downwards, which is not -the case. Moreover, the guide-ropes first rest -upon the rocks and thus lighten the balloon, -which gradually rises.</p> - -<p>We see it clear the top of the hill, and stand -out clearly for a few minutes against the blue<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_305"></a>[305]</span> -sky, and then slowly disappear from our view -behind the hill.</p> - -<p>Scattered along the shore, we stand motionless, -with hearts full, and anxious eyes, gazing -at the silent horizon.</p> - -<p>For one moment then, between two hills, we -perceive a grey speck over the sea, very, very -far away, and then it finally disappears.</p> - -<p>The way to the Pole is clear, no more -obstacles to encounter; the sea, the ice-field, -and the Unknown!</p> - -<p>We look at one another for a moment, stupefied. -Instinctively we draw together without -saying a word. There is nothing, nothing -whatever in the distance to tell us where our -friends are; they are now shrouded in mystery.</p> - -<p>“Farewell! Farewell! Our most fervent -prayers go with you. May God help you! -Honour and glory to your names!”</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Alexis Machuron.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_306"></a>[306]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">The Last Message from Andrée</h2> - -</div> - -<p>The following message from Andrée shows -the progress made by the hardy explorer. -We reproduce it in facsimile.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 325px;" id="illus45"> - -<img src="images/illus45.jpg" width="325" height="750" alt="" /> - -</div> - -<p>(1)—<i>The Andrée Polar -Expedition to the “Aftonbladet” -Stockholm.</i></p> - -<p><i>July 13th, 12.30 p.m., -82°2´ north latitude, 15°5´ -east longitude. Good -journey eastwards, 10° -south. All goes well on -board. This is the third -message sent by pigeon.</i></p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Andrée.</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage clear">Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="ads"> - -<p class="center larger">The Pupils of Peter the -Great</p> - -<p class="center mid">A History of the Russian Court and Empire -from 1697 to 1740</p> - -<p class="center mid">By R. NISBET BAIN</p> - -<p class="center smaller">Author of “Gustavus III. and His Contemporaries,” “Charles XII.” -“Hans Christian Andersen: A Biography”</p> - -<p class="center">WITH PHOTOGRAVURE FRONTISPIECE AND PORTRAITS</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo, 318 pp. Price 15s. net.</i></p> - -<p class="noindent"><i>OPINIONS OF THE PRESS:</i></p> - -<p class="center">“LIGHT ON A LYCEUM PLAY.”</p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>“Mr. Nisbet Bain’s new volume about the makers of Russia could not have appeared -at a time more opportune for the attraction of popular interest than the moment -when Sir Henry Irving has taken it upon him to interpret for us, on the stage of the -Lyceum, the character of Peter the Great. His familiarity with the history and politics -of Northern Europe in the last century renders him peculiarly fitted for the task of -presenting us with a picture of the Russian Court and Empire up to the death of the -Empress Anne.”—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>“Mr. Bain has here put together from authentic sources an interesting and useful -book. Without attempting the picturesque, he has written a book that attracts the -reader; his judgment is sound, he is unprejudiced and tolerant, and he understands the -strange world that he is depicting. His portraits have the great merit of fidelity, and -he has a good knowledge of contemporary European politics.”—<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p> - -<p>“An excellent piece of historical study, founded entirely on original research, sober, -broad, and sympathetic in treatment, with a fine sense of historical proportion, and most -illuminating as respects the light it throws on a dark and ill-known time and country.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> - -<p>“A lucid and masterly sketch of the slow development of the modern Russian State -between the year 1697 and 1740.”—<i>Daily News.</i></p> - -<p>“Mr. Nisbet Bain is, without question, the best informed student of Northern history -who now writes for the British Public, and the volume before us will add to his reputation.”—<i>Manchester Courier.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p class="center">WESTMINSTER</p> - -<p class="center mid">Archibald Constable and Co<br /> -<span class="smaller">2 WHITEHALL GARDENS<br /> -1898</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="center"><b>ANNOUNCEMENTS</b></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">The Life of Sir Charles Tilston -Bright</p> - -<p class="center">By EDWARD BRAILSTON BRIGHT, C.E., AND CHARLES -BRIGHT, C.E., F.R.S.E.</p> - -<p class="center">With many Illustrations, Portraits, and Maps. 2 vols.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo, £3 3s. net. (£2 2s. net to subscribers before publication.)</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Debateable Claims</p> - -<p class="center mid">A Series of Essays on Secondary Education</p> - -<p class="center">By JOHN CHARLES TARVER,</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Author of “Some Observations of a Foster Parent.”</span> <i>Crown 8vo, 6s.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Dante’s Ten Heavens</p> - -<p class="center mid">A Study in the Paradiso</p> - -<p class="center">By EDMUND GARDNER.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">A French View of English Contemporary Art</p> - -<p class="center">By E. DE LA SIZERANNE. Translated by <span class="smcap">H. M. Poynter</span>.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Highland Dress and Ornament</p> - -<p class="center">By LORD ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Andrée and his Balloon</p> - -<p class="center mid">By HENRI LACHAMBRE and ALEXIS MACHURON</p> - -<p class="center">With coloured Frontispiece and 40 full-page plates.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p>This volume contains an accurate account of the making and equipping of Mr. Andrée’s balloon, and a -detailed account of the first attempt made in 1896, when, owing to the bad weather, Andrée and his two -companions could not start, and a detailed and authoritative account of the final preparation and start -for the famous flight into the Unknown.</p> - -<p>The volume is fully illustrated, and contains a short biography of Andrée.</p> - -<p>The two authors accompanied the Expedition to Spitzbergen, the one author in 1896, and the other in -July, 1897.</p> - -<p>The volume is of very great general interest, containing as it does the only authoritative account of -the expedition up to date, and is of special value to all interested in ballooning, as the authors are -acknowledged experts.</p> - -<p>This work is being published simultaneously in four different languages.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">The Kingdom of the Yellow Robe</p> - -<p class="center">By ERNEST YOUNG.</p> - -<p class="center">Fully Illustrated by <span class="smcap">E. A. Norbury, R.C.A.</span>, and from Photographs.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Constable’s “Hand Gazetteer of India”</p> - -<p class="center">Uniform with Constable’s “Hand Atlas of India.”</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="mid">A BOOK OF</span><br /> -<span class="larger">Travels and Life in Ashantee</span></p> - -<p class="center">By R. AUSTIN FREEMAN, F.R.G.S.</p> - -<p class="center">Fully Illustrated, from drawings by the Author, and from Photographs. 2 Maps.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">A Northern Highway of the Czar</p> - -<p class="center">By AUBYN TREVOR BATTYE, Author of “Ice-bound on Kolguev.”</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 6s.</i></p> - -<p class="center">The dedication of this volume has been graciously accepted by His Majesty the Czar -of Russia.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Our Troubles in Poona and the Deccan</p> - -<p class="center">By ARTHUR TRAVERS CRAWFORD, C.M.G., late Commissioner of Poona.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Fully Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 14s.</i></p> - -<p>Few of the troubles we have had in India from time to time have assumed so serious -an aspect as the recent disturbances in Poona; but the extreme alarmist view taken -by the press at home and the public utterances of certain ill-informed “globe-trotters” -have had a mischievous effect in confusing the mind of the British Public as to the -rights and wrongs of the case. The Author of this book, having a large experience of -the districts affected, has written this work in order to make the situation clear.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Two Native Narratives of the Mutiny in Delhi</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Translated from the Originals by the late<br /> -CHARLES THEOPHILUS METCALFE, C.S.I. </span>(Bengal Civil Service).</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo, with large Map. Just Ready.</i></p> - -<p>These two narratives are a unique and interesting contribution to the literature of the -Indian Mutiny—inasmuch as they are the only ones from a purely native source.</p> - -<p>One is the diary, kept daily throughout the Siege of Delhi in 1857 by Munshi Jeewan -Lall. This man, who was an official in the employ of the Governor General’s Agent in -Delhi, was all along loyal to us, and remained, till his death, an honoured servant of the -British Government. He gave the original diary to the translator on the occasion of the -Imperial Assemblage at Delhi in 1877. The other narrative is by an educated native -nobleman—Nawab Mainodin Hassan Khan. He threw in his lot with the rebels, and -had eventually to fly, with a price on his head. After some years of exile he returned -to India, stood his trial, and was acquitted of complicity in murder, and pardoned for his -share in the fighting. This result was brought about mainly through the influence of Sir -T. Metcalfe, whose life he had saved during the Siege. The Nawab subsequently drew -up the narrative from materials in his possession, and gave it in the original to the translator. -Mr. Metcalfe having died before the papers were ready for publication, they are -now edited and brought out by his widow.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Constable’s Hand Atlas of India</p> - -<p class="center">A NEW SERIES OF SIXTY MAPS AND PLANS PREPARED FROM -ORDNANCE AND OTHER SURVEYS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF</p> - -<p class="center mid">J. G. BARTHOLOMEW, F.R.G.S., F.R.S.E., &c.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>In half-morocco, or full-bound cloth, gilt top, 14s.</i></p> - -<p class="smaller">“It is tolerably safe to predict that no sensible traveller will go to India in future -without providing himself with ‘Constable’s Hand Atlas of India.’ Nothing half so -useful has been done for many years to help both the traveller in India and the -student at home. ‘Constable’s Hand Atlas’ is a pleasure to hold and to turn over.”—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="center smaller">NOW READY AT ALL LIBRARIES</p> - -<p class="center larger">Through China with a Camera</p> - -<p class="center">By JOHN THOMSON, F.R.G.S.</p> - -<p class="center">With about 100 Illustrations. Foolscap 4to. <i>One Guinea net.</i> This work contains -probably the finest series of pictures of China ever published.</p> - -<p class="center smaller"><i>CONTENTS.</i></p> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td><span class="smcap">Chapter</span></td> - <td class="right">I.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">A Brief Sketch of the Condition of China, Past and Present.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">II.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">The Chinaman Abroad and at Home.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">Chinese Guilds—Hong-kong—Native Boats—Shopkeepers—Artists—Music Halls.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">III.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">The Chinaman Abroad and at Home</span> (<i>continued</i>).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">Gambling—Typhoons—The floating population of Hong-kong—North - branch of the Pearl River.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">IV.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Canton and Kwang-tung Province.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">Tea—Foreign Hongs and Houses—Schroffing.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">V.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Canton</span> (<i>continued</i>).</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">Its general appearance—Its population—Streets—Mode of transacting business—Signboards—Work -and Wages—The willow-pattern bridge—Juilin, Governor-General of -the two Kwang—Clan fights—Hak-kas—The mystic pills—Dwellings of the poor—The -Lohang-tang—Buddhist monastic life—On board a junk.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">VI.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Canton</span> (<i>continued</i>). <span class="smcap">Macao. Swatow. Chao-chow-fu—Amoy.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">The charitable institutions of China—Macao—Description of the town—Its inhabitants—Swatow—Foreign -settlement—Chao-chow-fu—Swatow fan-painters—Modellers—Chinese -art—Village warfare—Amoy—The native quarter—Abodes of the poor—Infanticide—Manure-pits—Human -remains in jars—Lekin—Romantic scenery—Ku-lang-su—The -foreign settlement.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">VII.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Formosa.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">Takow harbour, Formosa—La-mah-kai—Difficulties of navigation—Tai-wan-fu—The -Taotai—His yamen—How to cancel a state debt—The Dutch in 1661—Sylvan lanes—Medical -Missions—A journey to the interior—Old watercourses—Broken land—Hak-ka -settlers—Poahbe—Pepohoan village—Baksa valley—The name ”Isla Formosa“—A -long march—The central mountains—Bamboo Bridges—”Pau-ah-liau“ village—The -physician at work—Ka-san-po village—A wine-feast—interior of a hut—Pepohoan dwellings—A -savage dance—Savage hunting-grounds—La-lung village—Return journey.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">VIII.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Foochow and the River Min.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">The Japanese in Formosa—Cause of the invasion—The River Min—Foochow Arsenal—Chinese -gunboats—Foochow city and great bridge—A City of the dead—Its inhabitants—Beggars—Thieves—Lepers—Ku-shan -Monastery—The hermit—Tea plantation -on Paeling hills—Voyage up the Min—Shui-kow—An up-country farm—Captain Sheng -and his spouse—Yen-ping city—Sacrificing to the dead—Shooting the Yen-ping rapids—A -Native passenger-boat.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">IX.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Shanghai. Ninpo. Hankow. The Yangtsze.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">Steam traffic in the China Sea—In the wake of a typhoon—Shanghai—Notes of its -early history—Japanese raids—Shanghai foreign settlement—Paul Sü, or ”Su-kwang-ki“—Shanghai -city—Ningpo—Native soldiers—Snowy valley—The Mountains—Azaleas—The -monastery of the Snowy Crevice—The thousand-fathom precipice—Buddhist -Monks—The Yangtsze, Kiang—Hankow—The Upper Yangtsze, Ichang—The -Gorges—The great Tsing-tan rapid—Mystic fountain lights—A dangerous -disaster—Kwei-fu—Our return—Kiukiang—Nanking; its arsenal—The death of -Tsing-kwo-fan—Chinese superstition.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="right">X.</td> - <td><span class="smcap">Chefoo. Pekin. Tientsin. The Great Wall.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td></td> - <td class="sub">The foreign settlement—The Yellow River—Silk—Its production—Taku forts—The -Peiho River—Chinese progress—Floods in Pei-chil-li—Their effects—Tientsin—The -Sisters’ chapel—Condition of the people—A midnight storm—Tung-Chow—Peking—The -Tartar and Chinese divisions of the metropolis—Its roads, shops and people—The -foreign hotel—Temple and domestic architecture—The Tsungli Yamen—Prince Kung -and the high officers of the empire—Literary championship—The Confucian Temple—The -Observatory—Ancient Chinese instruments—Yang’s house—Habits of the ladies—Peking -enamelling—Yuen-Ming-Yuen—Remarkable cenotaph—A Chinese army—Li-Hung-Chang—The -inn of ”Patriotic Perfection“—The Great Wall—The Ming tombs.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Problems of the Far East</p> - -<p class="center mid">JAPAN—COREA—CHINA</p> - -<p class="center">By the <span class="smcap">Rt. Hon. GEORGE N. CURZON, M.P.</span></p> - -<p class="center">With numerous Illustrations and Maps. <i>Extra crown 8vo, 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p>This volume, written by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is of unusual -value at present, in view of the various questions which will arise in connection with the -position of the great Powers and China and Japan in the Far East.</p> - -<p class="smaller">“Certainly the influence of Mr. Curzon’s thoughtful generalizations, based as they are upon wide -knowledge, and expressed in clear and picturesque language, cannot fail to assist in solving the problems -of the Far East.”—<i>Manchester Courier.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">The Popular Religion and Folk-lore of -Northern India</p> - -<p class="center">By WILLIAM CROOKE</p> - -<p class="center"><i>With numerous Full-page Plates. 2 Vols. Demy 8vo, 21s. net.</i></p> - -<p class="smaller">“The book is in every respect an admirable one, full of insight and knowledge at first -hand.”—<i>The Times.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">The Household of the Lafayettes</p> - -<p class="center">By EDITH SICHEL. <i>Demy 8vo. 15s. net.</i></p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>“May be warmly commended to every student of social history.”—<i>Globe.</i></p> - -<p>“A work of notable ability and strength.”—<i>World.</i></p> - -<p>“ ... A volume of deep and pathetic interest.... We scarcely know any book which presents -a more vivid picture of the French Revolution.”—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> - -<p>“Every one who takes any interest in the France of the last quarter of the eighteenth century should -read this well-written book.”—<i>Publishers Circular.</i></p> - -</div> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Medals and Decorations of the British Army and Navy</p> - -<p class="center">By JOHN HORSLEY MAYO</p> - -<p class="center">(<i>Late Assistant Military Secretary to the India Office.</i>)</p> - -<p class="center">Dedicated by Permission to Her Most Gracious Majesty <span class="smcap">Victoria, Queen and Empress</span></p> - -<p class="center">With Fifty-five Plates Printed in Colours and many Illustrations in the text.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>2 vols. Super-Royal 8vo. Over 600 pp. £3 3s. net.</i></p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>“Of the manner in which the work has been carried out it is impossible to speak except in terms of -warm praise. The medals and ribbons are beautifully reproduced. To produce such a work, so beautifully -illustrated, has necessitated much expense and a corresponding price; but we can scarcely imagine -a barracks or a Queen’s ship that will be long without it.”—<i>Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>“An exhaustive record, and it will be strange if the inquirer searches its pages for information on a -particular medal or decoration and is disappointed.”—<i>Scotsman.</i></p> - -<p>“For beauty and fidelity the coloured reproductions of Army and Navy medals and decorations surpass -anything of the kind we have ever seen.”—<i>Daily News.</i></p> - -<p>“One cannot too highly praise the numerous illustrations. The letterpress, too, is extraordinarily full -and elaborate. Altogether the work is a mine of authoritative information on its subject, and should -abundantly satisfy at once the military enthusiast and the specialist in numismatics.”—<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p> - -<p>“These two volumes appeal powerfully to all who cherish the great patriotic traditions of the English -race, and their value for official reference is, moreover, incontestable.”—<i>Leeds Mercury.</i></p> - -</div> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">The Principles of Local Government</p> - -<p class="center">By GEORGE LAURENCE GOMME, F.S.A., Statistical Officer of the London County -Council.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo, 284 pages, price 12s.</i></p> - -<p>This volume is of very great value to all interested in various questions of Local -Government, especially in view of the forthcoming County Council elections. Mr. -Gomme is acknowledged as one of the greatest living authorities on the subject.</p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>“The Statistical Office of the County Council has produced a work of great value in the Principles of -Local Government.”—<i>London.</i></p> - -<p>“There is much to be learned from Mr. Laurence Gomme’s historical and analytical lectures.”—<i>Daily -Mail.</i></p> - -<p>“His criticisms on the existing system show a thorough mastery of a complicated subject.”—<i>Daily -Chronicle.</i></p> - -</div> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Problems of Modern Democracy</p> - -<p class="center">By EDWIN LAURENCE GODKIN. <i>Crown 8vo, 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p class="smaller">“The most noteworthy book on Democracy since Mr. Lecky’s.”—<i>Glasgow Evening News.</i></p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Reflections and Comments</p> - -<p class="center">By EDWIN LAURENCE GODKIN. <i>Crown 8vo, 7s. 6d.</i></p> - -<p class="smaller">“Mr. Godkin’s book forms an excellent example of the best periodical literature of his country and -time.”—<i>The Daily News.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter plus2" style="width: 300px;"> -<img src="images/ad_line.jpg" width="300" height="20" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="center">CONSTABLE’S LIBRARY OF<br /> -<span class="larger">Historical Novels and Romances</span></p> - -<p class="center">EDITED BY LAURENCE GOMME.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d., cloth.</i></p> - -<p class="center">After a Design by A. A. TURBAYNE.</p> - -<p>With Illustrations of all the principal features, which include reproductions of royal and -historical signatures, coins, seals, and heraldic devices.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="noindent"><i>Just Published.</i></p> - -<p class="center larger">Westward Ho!</p> - -<p class="center">By CHARLES KINGSLEY.</p> - -<p class="center">With numerous Illustrations.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="noindent"><i>To be followed by</i></p> - -<p class="center larger">Reading Abbey</p> - -<p class="center">CHARLES MACFARLANE.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="noindent"><i>Already Published.</i></p> - -<p class="center larger">Harold: The Last of the Saxons</p> - -<p class="center">By LORD LYTTON.</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">The Camp of Refuge</p> - -<p class="center">CHARLES MACFARLANE.</p> - -<p class="smaller">“Now we are to have for the first time a fairly complete edition of the best historical novels and -romances in our language. Messrs. Archibald Constable & Co. have had a happy idea in planning such -a scheme, which is likely to have an enthusiastic reception.”—<i>National Observer.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="center larger">Farthest North</p> - -<p class="center">By FRIDTJOF NANSEN</p> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center">A Few Copies of the</p> - -<p class="center mid">Library Edition of Farthest North</p> - -<p class="center">By FRIDTJOF NANSEN</p> - -<p class="center">2 Vols. Royal 8vo, £2 2s. net, are still for sale.</p> - -<p class="center">The Library Edition contains:</p> - -<p class="center allsmcap">OVER ONE HUNDRED FULL-PAGE AND A LARGE NUMBER OF -TEXT ILLUSTRATIONS.</p> - -<p class="center allsmcap">THREE PHOTOGRAVURE PLATES.</p> - -<p class="center allsmcap">SIXTEEN COLOURED PLATES IN FACSIMILE OF DR. NANSEN’S OWN -WATER-COLOUR, PASTEL, AND PENCIL SKETCHES.</p> - -<p class="center allsmcap">AN ETCHED PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR.</p> - -<p class="center allsmcap">THREE MAPS.</p> - -<p>“A masterpiece of story telling.”—<i>Times.</i></p> - -<p>“A book for everybody who loves a story of romance and adventure.”—<i>Westminster -Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>“The genius of Defoe could scarcely contrive a more absorbing story -than we have in the second volume of the book.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> - -<p>Dr. Nansen’s Great Book contains over 100 Full-page Illustrations, a -large number of Text Illustrations, sixteen Coloured Plates, four Large -Maps, two Photogravure Plates, and an Etched Portrait.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="center larger">Sir Henry Wotton: A Biographical Sketch</p> - -<p class="center">By ADOLPHUS WILLIAM WARD, Litt.D., LL.D., -Principal of the Owens College, Manchester; Hon. Fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d.</i></p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>“A delightful monograph entirely worthy of its admirable subject.”—Glasgow Herald.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">English Schools. 1546-1548</p> - -<p class="center">By A. F. LEACH, M.A., F.S.A.,</p> - -<p class="center smaller">Late Fellow of All Souls’, Oxford; Assistant Charity Commissioner.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Demy 8vo. 12s.</i></p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>“A very remarkable contribution to the history of secondary education in England, not less novel in -its conclusions than important in the documentary evidence adduced to sustain them.”—<i>The Times.</i></p> - -<p>“This is the most valuable book on the history of English Education that has seen the light for many -a long year.”—<i>The Journal of Education.</i></p> - -</div> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<p class="center larger">Spenser’s Faerie Queene</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Complete in Six Volumes. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, 9s. net.</i></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Edited by KATE M. 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A -really charming addition to the library of those who are devoted to the game.”—<i>The Globe.</i></p> - -</div> - -<hr class="small" /> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 165px;"> -<img src="images/ad_deco.jpg" width="165" height="250" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="center">New Popular Edition</p> - -<p class="center smaller">OF THE</p> - -<p class="center larger">Works of<br /> -George Meredith</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Crown 8vo</i>, <span class="larger">6/- each</span></p> - -<p class="center smaller">With Frontispieces by <span class="smcap">Bernard Partridge</span>, <span class="smcap">Harrison -Miller</span> and Others.</p> - -<table class="clear"> - <tr> - <td>The Ordeal of Richard Feverel</td> - <td class="smaller">[<i>Ready.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Rhoda Fleming</td> - <td class="smaller">[<i>Ready.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sandra Belloni</td> - <td class="smaller">[<i>Ready.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Vittoria</td> - <td class="smaller">[<i>Ready.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Diana of the Crossways</td> - <td class="smaller">[<i>Ready.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The Egoist</td> - <td class="smaller">[<i>Just Ready.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Evan Harrington</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The Adventures of Harry Richmond</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Beauchamp’s Career</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>One of Our Conquerors</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Lord Ormont and His Aminta</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The Amazing Marriage</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The Shaving of Shagpat</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The Tragic Comedians</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Short Stories</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Poems</td> - <td class="smaller"></td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Andrée and his Balloon, by -Henri Lachambre and Alexis Machuron - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON *** - -***** This file should be named 63603-h.htm or 63603-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/6/0/63603/ - -Produced by Peter Becker and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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