IF/': MAKE A START ill 



grass, lichen, or moss, every animal, from the largest to 

 the smallest, would be of great importance, photographs, 

 and an exact description should not be neglected ; at the 

 same time, it should be traversed to the greatest possible 

 extent, in order to ascertain its coast-line, size, etc. All 

 such things should, however, only be done, provided 

 they can be accomplished without danger. If the Frain 

 is adrift in the ice, it is clear that only short excursions 

 should be made from her, as the members of such ex- 

 peditions might encounter great dif^culties in reaching 

 the vessel again. Should the Fnmi remain stationary 

 for any time, such expeditions should still be undertaken 

 only with great discretion, and not be extended over 

 any great length of time, as no one can foresee when she 

 may commence to drift again, and it would be very un- 

 desirable for all concerned if the crew of the Frain were 

 to be still further reduced. 



" ' We have so often spoken together about the scien- 

 tific researches, that I do not consider it necessary to 

 give any further suggestions here. I am certain that you 

 will do everything in your power to make them as perfect 

 as possible, so that the expedition may return with as 

 good results as the circumstances will permit. And now 

 once again, my wishes for all possible success, and may 

 we meet a^ain before lono-. 



" ' Your affectionate, 



" ' Fridtjof Nansen. 



*" The /v77/;/, March 13, 1895.'" 



