ALPINE WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5760, 2 January 1897, Page 5

ALPINE WORK.

Mr E. A. Fitzgerald, who recently did some Alpine work in the Mount Cook region,, has left England on a fresh journey, the main object of which is the ascent of Aconcagua, the highest summit of the' Andes. In conversation with an interviewer, Mr Fitzgerald said: — The ascent of the mountain will be made in a leisurely manner. My object is to watch the effect of the various altitudes on the system, and from this to see whether it is possible to climb higher peaks in the Himalayas. My opinion is that Mount Everest can be ascended. I decided upon exploring Aconcagua as being one of the highest mountains of the world, and also because it is so little known. But perhaps it was specially selected with a view of seeing if it would not also be possible to climb Mount Everest. Up to the present the expedition has cost about .£3OOO, and the whole undertaking will not cost less than ifioOOO. In order to be perfectly independent of local supplies or assistance we are taking with us the whole of our food supply, and water is the only necessary we shall have to get. One of the chief dangers to be apprehended is from snakes. Accordingly each of us will carry pocket cases containing knives and antidotes against snake bites. We are also taking with us a supply of Dr Calmette's anti-venomous serum from the Pasteur Institute at Lille. So far as I know, this has never been essayed on human beings, so if unfortunately we are compelled to employ it, the results will be of considerable interest.