Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-11

which was our only errand to the north
pole, would be found if alive, somewhere
In the neiShbCrhOOd of SpitZbergen, and our
course was therefore directed to that point,
stopping at ST Johns. " F., from whence
We procecded via Reykjavik and SeidisfjOrd.
Iceland, 10 HaumerfeSt, Norway, where we
took on two Ice pilots. and proceeded to
Bear Island for the purpose Of leaving a
copper plate as a guide to those who might
come after. and at the same time inspect
those left by others who had preceded US.
Reaching there, we made several attempts
to land, without success, the island being
surrounded for about three miles with
mountains Of floating ice. rendering a land
ing eXtrs nelly dangerous, If not altogether
impossible. We then bore away to the west
antl W. were clear OF the ice. when our
DOW was turned north for the southern
coast Of SPitzbergen."
Danes Island.
At this point in his narrative Mr. King
turned TO a portfolio of sketches at his
side and said: Let me show you some
views Of that country. Our photographic
outfit failed to reach Norfolk until two
days after the Alliance sailed, and being
the only sketch artist aboard, it was my
privilege to bring back the only views OBJ
tanned or the trip. Here IS a sketch of
Danes Island. where Mr.. Wellman has
left Prof Oyen, the geologist of his expedi-
ton. II is a dreary and at the same time
o most desirable spot at which to establish
headquarters. 1t IS as well sheltered as
any Of the Islands can he. and IS inhabited
BY edible fowls, reindeer, and other food
animals, while wolves and bear, the only
eniTnals to be feared in that country sell
dom ever visit Danes Island Here the
professor can remain unmolested. and even
edd to his stores, 10 he chooses, rather than
diminish them. Mr.. Weliman gave evidence
Of a knowledge Of the country when he
made the selection Of Danes Island as
headquarters.
I'VE entered Relic sound on the south
west coast OF Spitzbergen. and found 1t
clear Of ice. Finding no trace Of De Long
or his party IN that vicinity, We proceeded
TO Green bay, so named because of the
rich growth Of vegetation found there. II
was IN the month Of July. and, while the
ground was covered with snow, and the
Temperature most Of the time was below
fIeeziDG- often reaching zero, yet flowers
IN pr1fusi'u were to be seen on every side
fearing their sweet blossoms through the
snow. In appearance they rescubled our
trailing arAutus AMI yellow daisies or but
tercUIs. II IS at this point that the gulf
stream, which separates at and encircles
ICELAND. one part bearing away toward
Englarf. while the other runs northeast
TO SPitZhargen, strikes the island bringing
with II trunks Of trees and other yeGeta-
ZION from the trOpiG regions. 1t IS because
OF uEIil-5 these evidences Of tropical Vese-
rafi0n that some writer's insist that at one
zine this was q tropical cline. The warm
Currents keep the waters here reasonably
gree from Ice. and Green hay IS nearly al
rays til'el during the summer months with
Russian and Norwegian walrus hunters.
HhoLnE vessels 3ls0 come IN here for coal
there being q fair quality Of this product
20 be hal for tho labor Cf picking Il from
the surf8ce 1t is lot an unusual sight to
Zee vessel anchored under an Overhang-
Overhead and gathered into the bunkers.