20 THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH POLE 



man, his calm and convincing presence had an excellent 

 effect. As things turned out, the greatest responsibility 

 fell upon Cook, but he mastered the situation in a 

 wonderful way. Through his practical qualities he 

 finally became indispensable. It cannot be denied that 

 the Belgian Antarctic expedition owes a great debt to 

 Cook. 



The object of the expedition was to penetrate to the 

 South Magnetic Pole, but this had to be abandoned at 

 an early stage for want of time. 



A somewhat long stay in the interesting channels of 

 Tierra del Fuego delayed their departure tillJanuary 13, 

 1898. On that date the Belgica left Staten Island and 

 stood to the South. 



An interesting series of soundings was made between 

 Cape Horn and the South Shetlands. As these waters 

 had not previously been investigated, these soundings 

 were, of course, of great importance. 



The principal work of the expedition, from a geo- 

 graphical point of view, was carried out on the north 

 coast of Graham Land. 



A large channel running to the south-west was dis- 

 covered, dividing a part of Palmer Land from the main- 

 land Danco's Land. The strait was afterwards named 

 by the Belgian authorities " Gerlache Strait." Three 

 weeks were spent in charting it and making scientific 

 observations. An excellent collection of material was 

 made. 



