CHAPTER II 

 PREPARATIONS AND EQUIPMENT 



Foolhardy as the scheme appeared to some, it re- 

 ceived powerful support from the Norwegian Government 

 and the King of Norway. A bill was laid before the 

 Storthing for a grant of ^11,250 (200,000 kroner), or 

 two-thirds of the estimated cost. The remaining third 

 I hoped to be able to raise from private sources, as I 

 had already received promises of support from many 

 quarters. 



On June 30, 1890, the amount demanded was voted 

 by the Storthing, which thereby expressed its wish that 

 the expedition should be a Norwegian one. In January, 

 1 89 1, Mr. Thomas Fearnley, Consul Axel Heiberg, and 

 Mr. Ellef Ringnes set to work to collect the further 

 sum required, and in a few days the amount was sub- 

 scribed. 



His Majesty King Oscar gave ^1125 (20,000 kroner), 

 while private individuals in Norway gave as follows : 



