On the Polar Star Volume 1; in the Arctic Sea

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 Excerpt: ... also drew attention to the changes which my provisional plan might undergo when it was carried out. By Dr. Cavalli's advice the daily rations had been definitely fixed at 2 lb. 13 oz. 13 dr. per head; this did not include the weight of the cases, but if they were taken into account, the total would be more than 3 lb. 4 oz. 14 dr., the weight which had been at first decided on. On account of this increase it was thought advisable to reduce the number of men in each detachment from four to three, while keeping the same number of sledges. At starting there would not be a man to every sledge; but, after a few days, as the provisions were consumed, the number of sledges would be equal to the number of men. According to my original plan, I had intended to establish during the autumn depots of provisions to the north of the place where we should pass the winter. But, since I had succeeded in reaching the most northern island of the archipelago, and as I did not believe that there was any land beyond it, it was no longer necessary to take that matter into consideration. I had also thought at first that the sledge expedition would have to return as far as 8o N., instead of to Teplitz Bay, which is in 81 47' N. For that reason I had changed somewhat the number of days in my definitive plan. In starting, therefore, from Cape Fligely, the expedition was to be composed of three detachments of three men each; the first carrying provisions for thirty days, the second for sixty, and the third for ninety. A fourth detachment, acting as an auxiliary, was to enable the third detachment to march two days longer, making in all forty-seven days, and would also help the expedition on the first two days of its march. Nansen had taken with him a kayak1 for each man, in order to be...