36 FARTHEST NORTH 



has, therefore, in all probability a marine climate with 

 comparatively mild winters, but, by way of a set-off, with 

 cold summers. 



" The cold in these regions cannot, then, be any direct 

 obstacle. One difficulty, however, which many former 

 expeditions have had to contend against, and which must 

 not be overlooked here, is scurvy. During a sojourn of 

 any long duration in so cold a climate this malady will 

 unquestionably show itself unless one is able to obtain 

 fresh provisions. I think, however, it may be safely 

 assumed that the very various and nutritious foods now 

 available in the form of hermetically closed preparations 

 of different kinds, together with the scientific knowledge 

 we now possess of the food -stuffs necessary for bodily 

 health, will enable us to hold this danger at a distance. 

 Nor do I think that there will be an entire absence of 

 fresh provisions in the waters we shall travel through. 

 Polar bears and seals we may safely calculate on finding 

 far to the north, if not up to the very Pole. It may be 

 mentioned also that the sea must certainly contain quan- 

 tities of small animals that mi^ht serve as food in case of 

 necessity. 



" It will be seen that whatever difficulties may be 

 suggested as possible, they are not so great but that they 

 can be surmounted by means of a careful equipment, a 

 fortunate selection of the members of the expedition, 

 and judicious leadership ; so that good results may be 

 hoped for. We may reckon on getting out into the sea 



