22 THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' 



invited and agreed to co-operate ; henceforth the undertaking 

 was to be considered as under the auspices of two great 

 Societies instead of one, and was demonstrably supported by 

 the whole scientific opinion of the country. An important 

 report by a sub-committee of the Royal Society clearly 

 detailed the scientific objects which were to be sought, and 

 laid particular stress on the extreme value of the magnetic 

 work. Meanwhile Sir Clements Markham commenced and 

 continued his indefatigable efforts to raise the necessary funds; 

 the Geographical Society headed the subscription list with 

 5,000/., and circulars were issued to the public. 



In March 1899 this appeal met with a noble response, 

 when Mr. Llewellyn Longstaff came forward with a munificent 

 donation of 25,000/. When the ' Discovery' eventually sailed 

 it was to act on a concerted plan between expeditions of 

 various nationalities ; it is quite certain that Britain would 

 not have been represented in this exploring effort had it not 

 been for Mr. Longstaff's public-spirited and patriotic gift. 

 But whilst our countrymen complacently reflect that the 

 British tradition for exploration has been maintained, they 

 appear entirely to have forgotten the man who made it 

 possible. 



The position of the promoters of the enterprise was now 

 greatly strengthened, and was made yet stronger when His 

 Majesty the King, then Prince of Wales, graciously con- 

 sented to become its patron, and the Duke of York vice- 

 patron. Later in the year it was decided to make a further 

 appeal to the Government ; a deputation consisting of some 

 of the most eminent men in both Societies waited on Mr. 

 Balfour and re-stated the objects of the enterprise. Mr. 

 Balfour expressed strong sympathy with the objects and a 

 lively interest in the undertaking, and it was entirely owing 

 to his generous attitude that the Government eventually 

 yielded and agreed to contribute 45,000/, provided an equal 

 sum could be raised by private subscriptions. 



Again Sir Clements Markham issued appeals for money, 

 and gradually the private fund crept up. After Mr. Longstaff, 



