96 FAR THE SI' NORTH 



ice, such as we have lately had. All necessaries which 

 cannot be kept on the ice ought to be so placed on board 

 that they are easy to get at under any circumstances. As 

 you are aware, all the provisions now in the depot are con- 

 centrated foods for sledging journeys only; but as it may 

 happen that you will have to remain inactive for a time 

 before going farther, it would be highly desirable to save 

 as much tinned meat, fish, and vegetables as possible; 

 should troublous times come then, I should consider it 

 advisable to have a supply of these articles ready on the 

 ice. 



" Should the Fram while drifting be carried far to 

 the north of Spitzbergen, and get over into the current 

 under the east coast of Greenland, many possibilities may 

 be imagined which it is not easy to form an opinion on 

 now ; but should you be obliged to abandon the Fram 

 and make for the land, it would be best for you to erect 

 beacons there, as stated above (with particulars as to 

 whither you are going, etc.), as search might possibly 

 be made there for the expedition. Whether in that case 

 you ought to make for Iceland (which is the nearest 

 land, and where you should be able to get in the early 

 part of summer, if following the edge of the ice), or 

 for the Danish colonies west of Cape Farewell, you 

 will be best able to judge on considering all the circum- 

 stances. 



" As regards what you ought to take with you in the 

 event of abandoning the Fravi, besides the necessary 



