364 NEAREST THE POLE 



sloping bilges, flat floor to prevent heeling when lifted, 

 flush stem and keel, raking stem, raking stem (this a 

 new feature). For forcing a way through loose ice: 

 sharp wedge bow, and full counter to keep ice from 

 propeller. For ramming ice: a sharply raking stem, 

 steel-sheathed. 



From this general description, it will be understood 

 that while the hull model contained the best features 

 of preceding ships, it was not a departure from 

 ordinary models, like the Fram and Gauss, but rather 

 a modification of them to meet special requirements. 



When the question of power was approached, there 

 was a radical departure, in fact a complete reversal of 

 previous practice in Arctic ships, and the adoption of 

 ordinary commercial practice. 



Hitherto Arctic ships have had full sail power (full- 

 rigged bark being the favourite rig) and auxiliary 

 engines, often of surprisingly puny power. The object 

 of this has been economy of coal, and the consequent 

 ability of the ship to cover long distances at slow speed, 

 and remain away from home for a period of years. 



The Roosevelt is a powerful steamer, with all the 

 engine force she could contain, and with only moderate 

 sail area. There is no question in my mind but that 

 this is the correct principle upon which to build a 

 modem Arctic ship for effective results. 



The Smith Sound or "American" route is especially 

 advantageous for this method, presenting a coasting 

 voyage, facilities for placing coal depots, the key of 

 the route condensed in a few hundred miles of heavy 

 ice navigation, and the possibility of even obtaining 

 coal in situ along the route. 



