CHA.PTER XIII. 



PEARY'S LATER VOYAGES. 



The appetite of the polar adventurer was now well whetted for the pursuit 

 of a northern goal; his spirit and his physique had both become sturdy; and 

 he was ready to accomplish greater work. 



Such a triumph as "farthest north," was, however, to be delayed for 

 many years. Although Peary went north again in 1893, he did not attempt 

 to reach the pole, yet his investigations were of moment to science. He had 

 read of a great "iron mountain," which was first heard of through Ross, an 

 English explorer, in 18 18. Now, more than seventy years later, the Ameri- 

 can explorer determined to find that mountain and determine its nature. He 

 did find it, and proved that it was a marvelous rock indeed, — a meteorite, the 

 largest known, and weighing more than ninety tons. 



Experiences similar to those described in the last chapter characterized 

 this trip, as Mrs. Peary was her husband's companion on this trip also; and 

 the voyage was distinguished by another event, also. A daughter was born 

 to the Pearys while they were in the Arctic region. Though sixteen years old, 

 she is still known as "the snow baby." 



In 1896 and 1897 Peary made short trips to his adopted country, Green- 

 land, and made discoveries of minor importance. In the latter year he brought 

 home a number of wonderful meteorites. 



By this time the Peary Arctic Club, under whose auspices the pole-reaching 

 exploit was carried out, had come into being, and under its auspices Peary 

 made a long journey, lasting from 1898 to 1902. This was an important expe- 

 dition, full of thrilling experiences and also of large scientific value. 



During these four years Peary spent away from his home and beyond 

 the realm of white men he rounded the northern extremity of the Greenland 

 archipelago, which is the most northerly land in the world. He named the 

 cape he found there after Morris K. Jesup, the Philadelphia capitalist, who 

 was enthusiastic in Peary's support, and who died without seeing his protege's 

 final success. On this trip Peary attained a far northern record, reaching 



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