Evening star., 1896-07-25

the exit and entrance of the travellers
whose sleeping place is in the basket ONLY
one person, however, will sleep at a time
the other two being in the meantime at
work in the Observatory" as the space
Immediately above the basket is called. The
observers stand upon the lid, above which
they have free space of some eight feet
AT convenient height (about three and
one-haif feet) is a ring of equal circumfer-
ence with the basket. and upon this are
fastened the scientific instruments with
which they work: barometers thermome-
ters. sextants. altaZimuth. thermometer, an
instrument for determining the direction
and velocity of the clouds. one for record
Ing the intensity of the sunlight another
for showing the true horizon, compasses, a
magnetometer, a theodolite and two pho
toSraphic cameras. When the observatory
is suspended from the balloon. a canvas
covering will extend round the supports
which will, to some extent, protect the OBJ
servers from the wind. Inside, the canvas
Is provided with pockets for holding record
ing books. instruments when not in use. A
cooking stove has been specially invented
10 obViate the danger that would arise il
cooking were done in too close proximity
to the gas. 1t measures ten inches by sew
enteen inches. and when in use hangs by a
rope twenty-five feet below the roof of the
basket. By means of string running
down an india rubber tube a match is
struck and a spirit lamp is lighted. In half
an hour water Is boiled, soup made. or meat
cooked; then by puff down the tube the
lamp is extinguished, and the food is ready
to be noiSted up and enjoyed. 1t cannot be
used, however, in high wind
Mr.. Andree has made something like th;r-
ty inventions In connection with the bal
loon: then manufacturers have made others
to overcome difficulties: so that with Or.
Ekholm's and Mr.. Strindbergs. sixty or
seventy inventions in all have been ma lie
In order to carry out specially the design
Of the expedition. One of these is an in
vention by which they will have fresh bread
all the time
A collapsible boat twelve feet in length
by four feet in breadth is also carried: the
framework of 1t is of ash. and the covering
of silk. the same that of the balloon.
No nails are used in its construction, the
keel, ribs, etc, being tied together with
sinews. 1t carries three persons and GO
kilogrammes (dbout 1923 poundspof freight
Two men can put it together in six hours.
Silk for Clothing.
The silk used for the balloon and the boat
has been found. when prepared with var
nish, so impermeable by wind and water. that
the aerial voyagers have had suits made of
it to wear when in their sky observatory.
Their other clothing includes sleeping bags
like those used by Nansen in his Greenland
expedition.
The sledges. like the frame of the boat.
are made of ash. They are nearly three
meters (sboGt nine feet ten inches) in
length, weigh little over twelve kilo-
grams (about twelty-SiX and one-h alf
pounds). and carry 100 Kilograms (abolt
30 pounds each. They are made from the
design of Mr.. Andree. and the accompany
ing diagram by HIM will show in what they
differ from the old form of arctic sledge.
In short. they are of the same shape top
and bottom. that if the runners get
damaged by the ice, the Sledge can be
turned right over.
small buoy, made of cork and covered
with copper wire, terminating in a spiral
bearing the Swedish flag. is to be dropped
at each degree of latitude as way-mark.
be placed record and chart of progress
made.
DIR. Ekholm is a man bordering fifty
years of age. He is doctor of science.
and one Of the best-known meteorologists
in Europe. So long ago as 1SS2-S3 he had
charge of a Swedish scientific expedition
to Spitzbergen in which Mr. Andree took
part. He is the author of several treatises
on subjects connected with meteoroiogy.
Mr.. Andree is an engineer by profession,
but is now the eXamner-in-chief of the
royal patent office in Sweden. He is very
tall. standing over six feet, broad-Shoul-
dered, and altogether of herculean frame.
1t is possible that he may return from his
voyage before completing his forty-second
year. In city notable for handsome men,
he is remarkable for his good looks
The third and youngest member of the
party, Mr.. Nils Strindberg is, like his chief.
a man Of magnificent physique. and appar-
entity well fitted to undergo any amount OF
fatigue. He is not yet twenty-four years
Of age; but he has already distinguis shed
himself at the university. especially in
science, and is teacher at the High School
for Science in Stockholm.
Both DIR. Ekholm and Mr.. Strndberg ha We
the greatest confidence in their chief, and