INTRODUCTION xxi 



may explain, but it cannot excuse this neglect ; 

 France should vindicate herself were it only 

 from considerations of moral benefit. If a 

 nation wishes to retain its vigour and to endure, 

 it must nourish a liking for things maritime in 

 its children and induce them 'to go down to the 

 sea in ships.' The sea will always be the best 

 school of discipline and energy. In Norway, 

 where we might almost say every man begins 

 life as a sailor, the beneficial effects of this 

 training are clearly to be seen. 



It is at sea that I have experienced the most 

 powerful and poignant emotions of my life, 

 where I have always been most keenly conscious 

 of the presence and protection of God ; and 

 it is when I have been face to face with the 

 dangers of the sea that I have seen social 

 distinctions vanish, he alone commanding who 

 had proved himself worthy to command. 



If the perusal of these pages shall serve to 

 awaken in the breasts of young Frenchmen a 

 desire for the sea, all too neglected nowadays, 

 I shall be profoundly happy. 



In the following pages, maritime descriptions 

 will necessarily occupy an important place ; 

 indeed, there is no comparison between deer- 

 hunting as I have known it in Africa and the 

 Indies, and the hunting of Polar animals. 



