CHAPTER XVI 



THE VOYAGE OF THE "FRAM" 



By First-Lieutenant Thorvcdd Nilsen 



I. 



From Norway to the Barrier. 



After the Frain had undergone extensive repairs in 

 Horten Dockyard, and had loaded provisions and equip- 

 ment in Christiania, we left the latter port on June 7, 

 1910. According to the plan we were first to make an 

 oceanographical cruise of about two months in tlie 

 North Atlantic, and then to return to Norway, where 

 the Fram was to be docked and the remaining outfit 

 and dogs taken on board. 



This oceanographical cruise was in many respects 

 successful. In the first place, we gained familiarity with 

 the vessel, and got everything shipshape for the long 

 voyage to come; but the best of all was, that we acquired 

 valuable experience of our auxiliary engine. This is a 

 180 h.p. Diesel motor, constructed for solar oil, of 

 which we were taking about 90,000 litres (about 19,800 

 gallons). In this connection it may be mentioned that 



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