38 THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH POLE 



may, however, be noted, for comparison with the Fram's 

 expedition. 



The plan was to leave New Zealand at the beginning 

 of 1908 and go into winter quarters on the Antarctic 

 continent with the necessary provisions and equip- 

 ment, while the vessel returned to New Zealand and 

 came back to take off the land party in the following 

 year. 



The land party that wintered in the South was divided 

 into three. One party was to go eastward to King 

 Edward VII. Land and explore it, the second was to 

 go westward to the South Magnetic Pole, and the 

 third southward toward the Geographical Pole. 



In the plan submitted to the Royal Geographical 

 Society Shackleton says: " I do not intend to sacrifice 

 the scientific utility of the expedition to a mere record- 

 breaking journey, but say frankly, all the same, that 

 one of my great efforts will be to reach the Southern 

 Geographical Pole." 



It was further intended that the Nimrod should 

 explore Wilkes Land. 



As draught animals Shackleton had both ponies and 

 dogs, but chiefly ponies. The dogs were regarded more 

 as a reserve. Shackleton's experience was that the Ice 

 Barrier was best suited for ponies. They also took a 

 motor-car, besides the usual equipment of sledges, ski, 

 tents, etc. 



Leaving Lyttelton on January 1, 1908, the Nimrod 



