POLAR EXPLORATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1949, 2 July 1891, Page 36

POLAR EXPLORATION.

By Lisbub.

There are quite a number of expeditions , being fitted out at the present time for Polar exploration. We have the Nordenskjold Antarctic party in the Southern parts liberally subsidised by the various Australian Governments, which will have, should it sail as intended, the object of locating the continents which are supposed to lie round the Antarctic circle, and take such note of an - mal life and its adaptability for commercial purposes as may be practicable. Important meteorological observations will also be made, and an attempt' to overcome the great ice barrier which is said to guard the Antarctic regions. It goes without saying that everything human foresight can provide for will be present to make the Baron's expedition as successful as those he has conducted into Northern latitudes. It is to be hoped our may yet see its way to place a sum on the estimates for the outfit, as the results will be of great importance to this colony. In the Arctic region Lieutenant Ryder, of the Danish navy, was organising an expedidition to explore the eastern coast of Greenland when the last mail left. His object is to connect previous discoveries in the southern parts of that inhospitable land with those made in the north.

Another expedition was also being arranged by a party oi scientists from the Berlin Geographical Society to explore the iuland ice of Greenland. They hoped to extend the work of Dr Nausen, whose graphic account of his journey across the inland ice was recently published. Lieutenant R. E. Peary, of the United States na?y, intends going to North-western Greenland, under the auspices of- the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Scienoes, with the object of locating the most northern point of. that country. He intends making the journey by land from Whale Sound, by means of the Norwegian snow shoe or skate so. successfully used by Dr Nausen. He has also devised improved sleighs, to be drawn by the members of his party which will run lightly over the snowfields, and sails will also be used whenever practicable. Lieutenant Peary has had considerable experience with Arctic travel, and -has submitted his plans to several noted scientists in the States and elsewhere who all speak of the arrangements as perfect. He is confident of success.

Dr Nausen intends going north, following to some extent the course of the ill-fated Jeannette expeditions. He hopes by allowing his vessel to drift with the current to so cross the pole. This will, to say the least, be an original method of achieving whathas hitherto baffled so many able commanders.