Report on the Danmark expedition to the north-east coast. 161 



Further, as the beUef grew that Mylius-Erichsen would not 

 be able to return that summer but would be forced to remain in the 

 north, all were much occupied with the preparations for a relief ex- 

 pedition to be sent out to meet him as soon as conditions permitted. 

 New sledges were taken in hand, new harness and whips etc. for the 

 dogs and all the other things required for the equipment of the sledges 

 were examined and repaired. 



On the 6th of July the land could no longer be reached from the 

 ship over the ice, the outflowing water having gradually formed a 

 lake round the ship, while the other part of the harbour was still ice- 

 bound. After the ship became free of ice, it made some water, as most 

 wooden ships do after wintering in polar regions, the seams being forced 

 open by the freezing of the water in them. 



The awakening summer life gave the naturalists plenty to do, 

 while Wegener with undaunted energy continued his laborious work 

 of flying kites and balloons and Koch and his assistants continued 

 the detailed survey of the station and its neighbourhood. At the 

 same time hunting was carried on to the greatest possible extent. 



For the numerous excursions made during this time, reference 

 may be made to "'List of the journeys made from the station in Dan- 

 marks Havn". 



After the ice round the ship had broken up, the dogs which now 

 lived on land had a peaceful time and all gradually assumed a well- 

 nourished condition, thanks to many seals caught by Tobias Gabriel- 

 sen and Hendrik Olsen. 



On the 17th of July Trolle retui'ned from Maroussia, where- 

 from he had made an excursion to Sonja Harbour. The ice was still 

 solid and thick out there. Some miles out at sea a few streaks of open 

 water were however to be seen. The terns and eider ducks, which 

 in the previous year had bred in quantities, had arrived but were not 

 breeding, an indication of an inclement summer. 



On the 18th of July Tobias Gabrielsen and Hendrik Olsen 

 returned from one of their numerous hunting expeditions carrying 

 with them 1 walrus and 6 seals. It was a good stroke of luck, doubly 

 welcome at this time because it was now clear that enough food must 

 be got to keep the dogs in good condition for the relief expedition 

 in search of Mylius-Erichsen's party. On another excursion at 

 the end of the month Hendrik Olsen again shot a walrus. 



To obtain still more walrus meat it was decided that a hunting 

 jjarty under the direction of Ring should start for Hvalrosodden, 

 and camp there in order to hunt walrus and musk-oxen. It was ex- 

 pected that walrus and seal would seek the open water formed by 

 the out-flowing water from Laxeelv off Hvalrosodden and tiiat the 

 walrus would collect at the point as in 1906. 



On the 29th of June Bistrup, Tobias Gabrielsen, Hagerup, 



XLI. 11 



