334 THE CONQUEST OF THE NORTH POLE 



Peary's 132, without being able to obtain any further 

 supply of food. The return journey, again, was very 

 different. Dr. Cook expected to find his cache 525 

 miles distant, but in reality the first land reached was 

 more than 670 miles from the Pole. The total distance 

 in latitude covered by Peary with the supply he was able 

 to carry on his sledges was therefore 545 miles, whereas 

 Cook states that he covered the extraordinary distance of 

 1132 miles. 



Dr. Cook has still to satisfy experts, but no one will 

 question the fact that Commander Peary has reached the 

 North Pole ; so that, no matter what the result of the 

 unfortunate controversy may be, to the American nation 

 belongs the great honour of winning the coveted prize. 



During: more than three centuries the record was held 

 by the British. It was then captured by America in 

 1882. In 1895 it passed into the hands of the 

 Norwegians, who held it until won by the Italians in 

 1900. America regained it in 1906, and now must keep 

 it finally. 



The chief records are as follows : — 



Printed by Morrison & Giuu Limited, Edinburgh 



