404 LETTERS FROM THE ANDREE PARTY. 



by Polar expeditions, aud it is expected they will absolutely prevent 

 every attack of scurvy. 



"Finally, the expedition is provided with 25 kilos (about 55 pounds) 

 of thin chocolate cakes, mixed with pulverized pemmican. To preserve 

 this food against dampness it is packed in pergament, covered with 

 Stan nine, a brittle metal composed of tin, sulphur, and copper, and 

 inclosed in air-tight boxes. Hansen's expedition was also provided with 

 this food, and it was found to be both nourishing and pleasant to the 

 taste." 



Even a means of cooking was not lacking from the outfit. A stove 

 about 10 by 17 inches, heated by a spirit lamp, was carried along; and, 

 in order to avoid the danger of using it near the gas of the balloon, it 

 was so devised and placed that it could be lighted and operated hanging 

 25 feet below the roof of the car. 



To aid in steering and controlling the balloon, Andree devised an 

 apparatus of sails and guide ropes — three sails, presenting to the wind 

 when full spread a surface of 800 square feet; and three guide ropes, 

 one about 1,017 feet long, another about 1,042 feet and the third about 

 1,205 feet. The ropes trail from the bearing ring, aud are attached to 

 it in such wise that they can be shifted from point to point; and by 

 thus shifting them, the theory at least is that there can be a corre- 

 sponding shift made in the course of the balloon. The sails are hung 

 two from bamboo spars projecting from the bearing ring, and one 

 above the bearing ring between the suspension roijes. 



Andree's first design was to sail in the summer of 1896. The balloon 

 and all stores and appliances were conveyed to Danes' Island; a 

 balloon house was erected, and engines set up for producing hydrogen 

 gas and inflating the balloon. All, indeed, was made ready; but the 

 south wind they wanted for the start did not come. They waited for 

 it until the season had advanced too far for a safe venture, and then 

 they came back to Sweden. In May, 1897, they returned, and by 

 July 1 again had everything ready for a start. And again the south 

 wind refused to come. They had to wait ten days for it. We have a 

 very interesting view of the party at this trying time, as well as a 

 full account of the work they had had to do in getting ready, in the 

 following letter, written by Andree's companion. Mis Strindberg, to 

 his brother in ISTew York and not before published : 



LETTER FROM NILS STRINDBERG. 



" Yes, now the folks at home believe us to be ascended. From Anna 

 I had no letter, and x)apa was very doubtful about his letter reaching 

 me. But alas ! it is true that we have not yet departed. As you have 

 probably heard through the papers or letters from home, we anchored 

 the 30th of May in Virgo Harbor, after having been detained by the 

 ice in Danes' Gate. It seems to have been an exceptionally mild 

 winter. There is considerably less snow this year than last, which still 

 was milder than the average winter. The balloon house stood when 



