BELGIAN ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.
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Press AssoeJatioji—By Telegraph- Copyright. Brussels, August 19. The Belgica, whioh left a few days ago on an Antarctic expedition, has put into Ostend with her maohinery damaged.
August 20. King Leopold inspected the Belgica at Ostend and wished. the expedition success.
On Friday, July 2nd, says an Antwerp telegram in an English paper, the steam barque Belgica, commanded by Lieuteriant de Gerlaohe, and destined fdr the South Pole, came up to Antwerp, and moored in the South Basin. Her arrival was announced by salutes from the fort at Saint Anne, and all the shipping in port was dooorated in honour of the handsome little vessel. The boat's hull is protected by a formidable armour of the hardest possible wood, boia de fer, as a protection against tho pressure of Antarctic ice. At, her bows she carries a powerful steel spur for cutting her way through ice floes. The interior arrangements are . cleverly made with a view to comfort, warmth and economy of space, for not a single corner is wasted. The cabins and saloons are heated from the engine rooms, and as an extra precaution, layers of felt are laid in between all the partitions to prevent the heat from escaping. The latest implements and machinery for whaling are adapted to the Belgioa, whose appearance ia quite unique, and whose barrel, perched on the top of her mast for the "lookout," catches the eye* of the ouriou«, The, Belgica registers 250 tone, and makes seven knots with her 150 horse-power engines, though with sails set she can easily make nine knots. There is on board the usual stock of Arctic clothing, snow shoes or "skis," and a splendid collection of the' most modern scientific instruments, of which M. de Geriache ia extremely proud. M. Nyasena, Minister of Labour, visited the Belgica and wished the party a hearty bon voyage. The Belgians are extremely proud of thia proposed exploration, and a great deal oi enthusiasm is manifested at Antwerp.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9811, 21 August 1897, Page 7
Word Count
331BELGIAN ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION. Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9811, 21 August 1897, Page 7
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