1896. THE ARCTIC WORK OF 1896. 239 



risks already enormous. Andree has, however, shown that it is possible 

 to fill a balloon in the north of Spitzbergen, and to keep it inflated for 

 several weeks. Both of these feats were declared to be impossible by 

 some of Andree's critics, though it is gratifying to remember that the 

 English military aeronaut. Colonel Watson, ridiculed these fears. 



Andree's return has subjected him to a certain amount of hostile 

 criticism ; but it is impossible to talk to him without feeling that he 

 is an enthusiast and thoroughly in earnest. Pike's Bay, where he 

 erected his gasworks and balloon-shed, is generally accessible in a 

 wooden vessel in May, or even in April. South winds very rarely 

 occur in Spitzbergen after July 24-25, though they are not unusual 

 in the end of June and the beginning of July. If, therefore, Andree 

 can next year reach his starting point much earlier, and be ready 

 to start by the end of June ; and if he can then keep his balloon 

 afloat for three weeks, the chances are that he will travel a long way 

 toward the Pole, and then be carried southward. If he reach the 70° 

 parallel, the chances are nine to one that he will be able to descend 

 on land. Daring, therefore, though this balloon adventure be, it does 

 not seem quite such an act of idiotic and wilful suicide as many of 



Andree's critics declare. 



J. W. Gregory. 



