SHA CKLE TONS "FARTHEST SO UTH" 239 



Prof. Davis, of the northern party, started from Cape Royd October 5, 

 1908, and with two sledges discovered the South Magnetic Pole in latitude 

 72:25. He and his companions had experiences akin to Shackleton, though 

 without the severe hardships. 



Another feature of the expedition was a viewing of the south aurora 

 borealis, or aurora australis, as it is sometimes called. This is described as 

 brilliant throughout the winter, appearing most frequently in the eastern 

 sky and seldom in the direction of the magnetic pole. The most striking forrn 

 of the aurora was that of a parallel with draped curtains extending across 

 the heavens, sometimes stationary and sometimes moving rapidly across the 

 remarkable speed. 



Shackleton's exploits filled England with pride, and were heralded, until 

 two Americans found the North Pole, as among the greatest achievements of 

 polar travel. When Shackleton cabled to his ruler the results of his journey 

 the king cabled back as follows : 



"I congratulate you and your comrades most warmly on the splendid result 

 accomplished by your expedition, and in having hoisted the Union Jack pre- 

 sented by the queen within 1 1 1 miles of the South Pole, and the Union Jack 

 on the South Magnetic Pole. 



'T gladly assent to the new range of mountains in the far south bearing 

 the name of Queen Alexandra." 



Edward R. I. 



