22 THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH POLE 



reach. Who could tell? Perhaps they led to the Pole 

 itself. There was little to lose, much to gain; he 

 decided to risk it. 



Of course, it was not right, but we can easily under- 

 stand it. 



The Belgica now had thirteen long months before 

 her. Preparations were commenced at once for the 

 winter. As many seals and penguins as could be found 

 were shot, and placed in store. 



The scientific staff was constantly active, and brilliant 

 oceanographical. meteorological, and magnetic work was 

 accomplished. 



On May 17 the sun disappeared, not to be seen again 

 for seventy days. The first Antarctic night had begun. 

 What would it bring? The Belgica was not fitted for 

 wintering in the ice. For one thing, personal equip- 

 ment was insufficient. They had to do the best they 

 could by making clothes out of blankets, and the most 

 extraordinary devices were contrived in the course of 

 the winter. Necessity is the mother of invention. 



On June 5 Danco died of heart-failure. 



On the same day they had a narrow escape of being 

 squeezed in the ice. Fortunately the enormous block 

 of ice passed under the vessel and lifted her up without 

 doing her any damage. Otherwise, the first part of the 

 winter passed off well. 



Afterwards sickness appeared, and threatened the 

 most serious danger to the expedition scurvy and 



