CHAPTER LX 
SHACKLETON'S ATTEMPT TO REACH THE POLE 
Shackleton's expedition to reach the South Pole 
differed from any previous one in that ponies were 
employed. Great care was exercised in the equipment, 
the sledges were built in Christiania, and ten 12 ft., 
eighteen 11 ft., and two 7 ft. were taken. Woollen 
garments were almost exclusively used, with an outer 
suit of wind-proof gaberdine ; fur being restricted to the 
sleeping bags, and to foot and hand coverings. f ' Finnesko " 
boots filled with sennegrass were, however, largely used. 
A hut, 33 ft. by 19 ft., was taken out in pieces ready 
for erection, lighted with acetylene gas and heated by 
anthracite. There were 15 Manchurian ponies, nine 
Siberian dogs, and a motor car, but much was not ex- 
pected of either of the two latter modes of traction. 
The intention was to land a shore-party, which was to 
winter, and though the scientific work of the expedition was 
not to be sacrificed, one of the main objects was to reach 
the South Pole. The ship's staff consisted of 14 officers 
and crew under the command of Lieut. R. N. England, 
R.N.R., who had been first officer in the Morning] the 
shore party were also 14, with Shackleton as commander. 
Professor T. W. E. David was Director of the scientific 
staff, Dr Douglas Mawson physicist, Mr J. Murray 
biologist, Mr Raymond Priestley and Sir Philip Brockle- 
hurst geologists, and Lieut. J. B. Adams meteorologist. 
The vessel purchased for the expedition was the Nimrod, 
a not very suitable craft, being small and not able to 
make more than six knots under steam. She proved, 
however, to be better than was anticipated. 
On July 30th, 1907, the Nimrod left the East India 
Docks for New Zealand, King Edward and Queen Alex- 
andra and others of the Royal party paying a visit to the 
ship at Cowes. She reached Lyttelton and sailed on New 
Year's Day, 1908, for the south, being towed to the edge 
