NEW LAND 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



ONE September morning in 1896, a few days after our return from 

 the first Norwegian Polar Expedition, we were lying out in Lysaker 

 bay, unloading the ' Fram,' when Dr. Nansen came on board. 



' Do you still wish to go on another expedition to the North ? ' 

 he asked me. 



' Yes, certainly,' I answered, ' if only I had the chance.' 



He then told me that Consul Axel Heiberg, and the firm of 

 brewers, Messrs. Eingnes Brothers, were willing to equip a new 

 scientific Polar Expedition, with myself as the leader. 



I cannot say otherwise than that I was pleased at this flattering 

 offer. There were still many white spaces on the map which I 

 was glad of an opportunity of colouring with the Norwegian 

 colours, and thus the expedition was decided on. 



Together with Dr. Nan sen and my owners, I agreed on the 

 following route, which was to be up Smith Sound and Kane Basin, 

 through Kennedy and Eobeson Channels, and as far along the 

 north coast of Greenland as possible before wintering. From 

 thence we were to make sledge-expeditions to the northernmost 

 point of Greenland, and as far down the east coast as we could 

 attain. There was no question of trying to reach the pole. 



My owners, who guaranteed all expenses, each paying one-third, 

 did everything in their power to equip the expedition in the best 

 possible manner. We agreed to obtain the co-operation of a staff 

 of capable young men of science ; a number of costly instruments 

 were ordered, that the scientific work might be rendered more easy ; 

 and the provisions, which, according to our plan, were to be 



VOL. I. B 



