We had no definite idea as to the length of time needed 
for the journey,—we must get out before the winter’s ice 
closed things in. 
The general itinerary, as it stood at departure, was to 
sail from Tromsoe, Norway, to Skaaro, and thence to Bear 
Island and Spitzbergen. There time could be profitably 
spent shooting reindeer and such other game as, salted down, 
might serve for provisions in the near future. The Seven 
Islands (Lat. 82°) formed the goal until such time as the 
course might be changed to westward. 
Early July promising the best chances for openings in 
the pack, we selected this for departure. The volcanic island, 
Jan Mayen, should also be touched. 
Our purpose was to leave an over-wintering expedition 
of three men at that place, these to be called for the next year. 
How much farther north than 8o° we got, and what we 
saw of East Greenland, as well as the variety of game se¬ 
cured, the narrative, in due course, will show. Suffice it, the 
novel experiences the cruise afforded, the bear, seal, and 
other specimens of fauna as well as of flora obtained in ex¬ 
cess of anticipation, went far to recompense for such other 
endeavors as we failed to attain. 
DSl 
THE LAURA 
