INTRODUCTION xxiii 



anguish ; but, the parting once over, I have felt 

 exultation only on finding myself alone with my 

 companions, sailing towards the new adventures 

 and dangers awaiting us. 



To the true sailor there is perhaps nothing 

 so attractive as a cruise in northern seas, con- 

 fronted as he is with the dangers of the ice, 

 menaced as he is day and night with fogs and 

 gales. 



The weather changes in a single hour in 

 Boreal regions, and one's impressions undergo 

 similar modifications. 



A day of fog and threatening ice, which 

 depresses and makes one anxious, is succeeded 

 by a bright clear day of open ice and renewed 

 enjoyments. 



A ray of sunlight transforms everything, 

 making a fairyland of a desolate, dead world. 



I do not fear responsibility, and know a no 

 more delightful position than that of commander 

 of a ship. On all my voyages I have surrounded 

 myself with the most competent and experienced 

 men, without whose assistance scientific work 

 would have been impossible. Nevertheless, I 

 have always retained command, and have 

 desired to be kept au courant, day and night, 

 with all that transpired aboard. A Polar 

 expedition must be conducted in this way, for 



