PREFACE xiii 



I am indebted to Mr. Arthur Montefiore, the Secretary 

 of the Jackson- Harmsworth Expedition, for one important 

 reference. Travellers owe much to those who, like Mr. 

 Montefiore, generously give them the benefit of their 

 greater opportunities for literary research. 



It would be ungracious for me to close this preface 

 without some reference to the illustrations in this book. 



Mr. J. T. Nettleship's beautiful work needs no words 

 from me. Nor does that of Mr. Charles Whymper, 

 unless indeed on this ground, namely, that he has been 

 obliged to limit his artistic power to the simple expression 

 of facts as they were. Also I am under obligations to 

 Mr. Edward Thornton for several careful pen-and-ink 

 drawings from my pencilled or coloured sketches. 



About the pictures which have been transferred 

 straight from my sketch-book I need only say that 

 they are correct in detail, as they were done on the spot. 

 For this reason I am sure my critics will forgive an 

 amateur for work that is amateurish. 



Often on Kolguev the means of living were found for 

 us by one whom it is difficult to thank ; for I refer to old 

 Sailor, the spaniel, one of the most faithful and accom- 

 plished dogs who ever followed the gun. 



