CHAPTER II. 



PREPARATIONS AND EQUIPMENT. 



FOOLHARDY as the scheme appeared to some, it received 

 powerful support from the Norwegian Government and 

 the King of Norway. A Bill was laid before the 

 Storthing for a grant of ,11,250 (200,000 kroner) or 

 two-thirds of the estimated cost. The remaining third 

 I hoped to be able to raise from private sources, as I 

 had already received promises of support from many 

 quarters. 



On June 3Oth, 1890, the amount demanded was voted 

 by the Storthing ; which thereby expressed its wish that 

 the expedition should be a Norwegian one. In January, 

 1891, Mr. Thos. Fearnley, Consul Axel Heiberg, and 

 Mr. Ellef Rino-nes set to work to collect the further sum 



o 



required, and in a few days the amount was subscribed. 



His Majesty King Oscar gave ,1,125 (20,000 kroner) 

 while private individuals in Norway gave as follows : 



