36 THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH POLE 



His expeditions were splendidly equipped, and the 

 scientific results were extraordinarily rich. The point 

 that compels our special admiration in Charcot's voyages 

 is that he chose one of the most difficult fields of the 

 Antarctic zone to work in. The ice conditions here are 

 extremely unfavourable, and navigation in the highest 

 degree risky. A coast full of submerged reefs and a sea 

 strewn with icebergs was what the Frenchmen had to 

 contend with. The exploration of such regions demands 

 capable men and stout vessels. 



Sir Ernest Shackleton ! the name has a brisk sound. 

 At its mere mention we see before us a man of in- 

 domitable will and boundless courage. He has shown 

 us what the will and energy of a single man can perform. 

 He gained his first experience of Antarctic exploration 

 as a member of the British expedition in the Discovery, 

 under Captain Scott. It was a good school. Scott, 

 Wilson, and Shackleton, formed the southern party, 

 with the highest latitude as their goal. They reached 

 82 17' S. a great record at that time. Being attacked 

 by scurvy, Shackleton had to go home at the first oppor- 

 tunity. 



Shortly after his return Shackleton began to make 

 active preparations. Few people had any faith in 

 Shackleton. Wasn't it he who was sent home from 

 the Discovery after the first year? What does he want 

 to go out for again? He has shown well enough that 



