202 THENORTHPOLE 



To drive a ship through the ice to the farthest pos- 

 sible northern land base from which she can be driven 

 back again the following year. 



To do enough hunting during the fall and winter to 

 keep the party healthily supplied with fresh meat. 



To have dogs enough to allow for the loss of sixty 

 per cent, of them by death or otherwise. 



To have the confidence of a large number of Eskimos, 

 earned by square dealing and generous gifts in the past, 

 so that they will follow the leader to any point he 

 may specify. 



To have an intelligent and willing body of civilized 

 assistants to lead the various divisions of Eskimos — 

 men whose authority the Eskimos will accept when 

 delegated by the leader. 



To transport beforehand to the point where the 

 expedition leaves the land for the sledge journey, suf- 

 ficient food, fuel, clothing, stoves (oil or alcohol) and 

 other mechanical equipment to get the main party to 

 the Pole and back and the various divisions to their 

 farthest north and back. 



To have an ample supply of the best kind of 

 sledges. 



To have a sufficient number of divisions, or relay 

 parties, each under the leadership of a competent 

 assistant, to send back at appropriate and carefully 

 calculated stages along the upward journey. 



To have every item of equipment of the quality best 

 suited to the purpose, thoroughly tested, and of the 

 lightest possible weight. 



To know, by long experience, the best way to cross 

 wide leads of open water. 



