NEW APPLIANCES . 
325 
and lighter than any other known variety of fur in use. 
The Eussians know how to appreciate its heat-retain¬ 
ing qualities, and even the Esquimaux prize it at its 
true value; but with us almost any other fur is sought 
for with greater zest, perhaps the attraction being 
rather in the finer texture and more attractive appear¬ 
ance of various skins in use. Professor Nordenskiold 
expects to meet with land in the north. This land, if 
found, will be a source of danger in the opinion of 
some of his party, as a gale off the land, should it 
happen, will cause the trouble they almost anticipate. 
We heard further particulars respecting the mode of 
compassing their object, which to us appeared of the 
greatest possible interest. Thus, the food rations con¬ 
sisted of three pounds weight per day for each man, 
and their reindeer will be added to this supply, as we 
have stated. Necessaries, clothing, and other baggage 
would weigh 4050 lbs. It is calculated that each 
man can drag 425 lbs. over the ice ; and we heard of 
bread, coffee, lime juice, concentrated rum, a cooking 
apparatus, supplied with petroleum, besides guns, 
ammunition, axes, spades, saw for cutting ice, and for 
building snow huts, blanket sleeping bags, India 
rubber mattresses, and the dog-skin coverlid. 
We thought of the wonderful exploits of the dogs 
we had often heard and read about, and we spoke of 
