Report on the Danmark expedition to the north-east coast. 85 



The daily meteorological observations, which had started al- 

 ready on August 17th, were continued uninterruptedly and the mag- 

 netic and astronomical observations were carried on along with them. 

 Balloon and kite ascents were often made and the northern lights 

 studied. 



Wegener's constant assistants in carrying on the meteorological 

 and magnetic work were: Bistrup (absolute magnetic measurements), 

 Freuchen (meteorological observations), Hagerup (magnetic re- 

 gistering observations), Lindhard (air electricity observations) and 

 Koefoed and Weinschenck (kite ascents). 



Koch continued with his survey work and astronomical observa- 

 tions. Tidal observations were begun under Bistrup's direction and 

 Trolle began his sledging excursions for the purpose of making 

 hydrographical observations. 



In spite of the increasing cold the artists continued taking studies. 

 It may be of interest to future expeditions to know how the colours 

 held and how they were dealt with in the cold. On this Bertelsen 

 has reported as follows: 



"It proved, that the oil colours first froze at — 20° C. and that 

 the colours did not suffer much, even when frozen for a long time 

 and repeatedly thawed. It was quite possible, however, to paint 

 outside in harder frost than — 20°. The first year Bertelsen tried 

 to have a Primus or lamp with him, but it was always difficult to get 

 the palette thawed and the light was blown out by the least wind. 

 Next year he mixed the colours with benzine before setting out and 

 thinned them constantly while painting. In this way it was possible 

 to paint outside even in the severest cold the Expedition encountered. 

 Thus, Bertelsen has been painting outside at a temperature be- 

 tween — .30° and — 40° C. Turpentine can also be used to thin the 

 colours; it did not freeze either, but as a lot has to be used, Bertelsen 

 believes, that it is not so good, making the colours unclean. The tubes 

 have to be carried in the pocket, otherwise they freeze and the co- 

 lours cannot be got out. 



Bertelsen had also taken many pastille colours. These did 

 not freeze but they are difficult to work with in severe cold, as it is 

 necessary to have bare hands for this material". 



But in addition to the scientific investigations, there was also 

 a great deal of other, practical work carried out at this time. New 

 sledges were made and fitted together and the old inspected and re- 

 paired. Round about in the rooms and berths there were busy hands 

 sewing kamik stockings, patching boots, refooting stockings, making 

 mittens and improving the skin furs, making sleeping bags, dog har- 

 ness, whips, lashings for skis and many other things. For new sledge 

 journeys Avould soon be undertaken. 



After returning from the sledge journey nurlhvvard I о lay out 



