10 British Antarctic Expedition. 
in the Australian colonies rarely can afford to 
accompany their thoughts on far journeys, nor 
despatch others, less worthy, perhaps, in pursuit 
of their philosophy. 
While thus the importance of the cause which 
I advocated was recognised everywhere, and tons of 
moral support was lavishly presented to me from all 
sides, the funds for my enterprise did not come 
before my work acquainted me with one of those 
rare men whose brains, heart, and funds were only 
equalled by his spirit of enterprise. 
In 1896 I first met Sir George Newnes, and 
laid my plans before him. 
In 1898 he placed the necessary funds at my 
disposal for the realization of my Antarctic. expedi- 
tion plans. ; 
My plans were then but slightly altered from 
those which I laid before the Sixth International 
Geographical Congress in London in 1895. (See 
page 174 of the report of the Sixth International 
Geographical Congress, 1895), and I may here give 
a statement of the tonnage and dimensions of the 
Southern Cross. 
Gross Tonnage : : o... a. Bent TO ПОТЕ, 
Net Tonnage . : ; : PIOS ae 
Length . А : : 3 о 146°5 feet. 
Breadth . : : à : Oye v 
Depth of Hold : E 2 : Лб у, 
Draught. : : ; . ; ТӨ ЗО л»; 
Two decks ; stern round ; barque rigged ; built in 
Arendal (Norway); designed by Colin Archer, who 
also designed the Fram, 
