AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EXPEDITION (1874) 11 



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made a forced march to Cape Frankfurt, which they 

 ascended, and from a height of 2000 feet were able to 

 ascertain the route. From here the coasts of Wilczek 

 Land appeared to run in a northerly direction, and then 

 to trend gradually to the north-east. A broad inlet, to 

 which the name " Austria Sound " was given, was seen 

 to run far towards the north. A great many icebergs 

 were met here, indicating the presence of large glaciers. 

 On the day that they entered this sound, a bear was 

 killed, from which they took 50 lb. of flesh for their own 

 use, and gave the rest of the carcass to the dogs. At the 

 same time they deposited 50 lb. of boiled beef on an 

 iceberg close by. 



On the 4th April they passed Cape Tyrol in driving 

 snow, and on this day one of the dogs was lost. A gull 

 flew past and the dog burst away from the sledge, and in 

 hot pursuit of the bird disappeared from sight, and was 

 never seen again. On the 5th April the 81st degree was 

 reached. Before setting out on this journey, Payer 

 guaranteed to give the men 1000 florins if the 81st degree 

 was reached, and 2500 florins if they reached the 82nd 

 degree. Two bears were killed on this day, and their 

 flesh formed the principal food. It was not, however, 

 much appreciated. Payer describes it as tolerable food for 

 sea-gulls, but hardly fit even for devils on the fast-days of 

 the infernal regions. 



When approaching Becker Island the atmospheric con- 

 ditions were such that it could not be seen until it was 

 only about 100 yards away. Instead of rounding this 

 island, it was decided to cross it. When the highest point 

 was reached, Austria Sound was seen to still stretch 

 towards the north, but the sea presented the appearance 

 of a chaos of icehills and icebergs. 



On the 7th April, in latitude 81° 23', could be seen 

 the faint outlines of mountains in Crown-Prince Rudolfs 



