New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-08-04

-HE persistent explorer Is gradually
narrowing the areas upon this
Il globe OF ours which existing maps
indicate either imperfectly or designate
unknown" Somehow, the frigid por-
lions of this earth persistently appeal to
the courageous pioneer; and II is pleas
ant to be taken out OF ourselves and
away from the contemplation of these tor
rid days by following, in thought at least
others who are threading their ways
through the mysterious Northland. Fig
uratively speaking, the sound Of their
footsteps crunching through gistening
SHOWS and over shimmering glaciers
comes 70 us with q refreshing stimulus
in our days of comparative parboiling.
Greenland, which is mostly ice and snow
just to show the inappropriateness OF
its name-is the present objective OF an
important Danish expedition, and we
have more than a mere geographical eX-
cuse for interest in the enterprise. Green
land, as we have had impressed wofuliy
upon US in the last few months is the
birthplace of most Of the icebergs that
slip away from the grip OF the Arctic
region and trespass menacingly upon the
routes of transatlantic commerce. We
have much to learn about Greenland's
grea. &c. cau. which furnishes the body
substance Of these direful ocean waits
relies Of the centuries gone which bid
defiance TO mans master works of to-day
TRANSPORTATION BY PONIES.
The present Danish expedition IS under
the leadership Of Captain J. 2. Koch, Of
GOT fagr-
rapher. who has already spent a number
of years in geographical research in both
Iceland and Greenland His sclentihc as
sistants are DR.. A. Wcgener, a professor
nj the University Of MarburG Germany
who will have charge OF the meteorologi-
cal Investigations, and a botanist OF the
name OF a. ~ Lundager both Of whom
have previously iourneyed through parts
OF the same territory. one Sigurdson
an Icelander. accompanies the scientists
as chief Of materiel He IS now In his
native land securing ponies for the eXpe-
dition, and viii have charge Of these ami
mails IN the unusual service 10 which they
will be put. Heretofore, the Esquimau
dog has been utilized for kindred WORK
but Captain Koch has good reason 70
believed that the sturdy, sure-footed ponies
OF Iceland are better fitted for this task
Fifteen Of these willing beasts viii be
employed While SiRurdson is recruiting
his equipment for the undertaking Cap
tain Koch and his scientific associates
are buoy investigating the glacier OF
Vatna J0kul, which has long been an
Icelandic feature Of interest. This body
Of ice Is located In the southeastern part
Tel nd the coast.
A BREWER FURNISHES FUNDS.
The expedition has been financed by
ororninent Danish people and $4,000 has
been subscribed. Half Of this sum is
contribution from what is known as the
"Carlsberg gift which was founded some
vca.e ogo by a very rich brewer named
Jacobsen. probably one Of the richest If
not the richest OF Denmarks wealthy cit
izens II is believed that the explorers
reached Denmark Harbor, Just above
&c degrees north latitude, about August
1 They will be carried there from
Akreyri, Iceland. in the three-masteo
schooner Godthaab. which has OeeA
loaned by the national authorities FOR
the occasion. The Godtbaab is vessel OF
100 tons burden, and has a crew Of IF
teen men, She Will take the ponies ana
all OF the stores for the exploring party
These will consist of sleds clothing and
furs and about fifty-six cases or pro-
visions-a matter Of five thousand pounds
For the ponies fodder will be taken 10
tide them along for three months, ana
about six tons Of compressed food COM
posed Of oatmeal and syrup in cakes. VIII
also be carried for these animals. In Ill
thu entire outfit will weigh fully fortp
thousand pounds. When this load IS
landed at Denmark HarbOr further trans
portation will devolve upon the ponies and
a number Of small motor boats which
have been fitted out for the trip. The
use Of motor boats is another novelty in
Arctic exploring. but the value of this
mode of travel is emphasized by the
presence of many lakes and small streams
accustomed by the summer melting Of ice
and snow. At Denmark Harbor the local
technical division Of the Danish military
force has already laid the foundation for
the expeditions principal base. and from
the nearby arsenal the explorers viii be
we'll provided with rifles and ammunition.
40 that they can hunt on their Journey in
land. Before starting into the interior
from Denmark Harbor Captain Koch and
his party will do some exploring along
the neighboring northeast coast OF Green
land. This. however. will not be of the
extensive character which the circum-
stances fully warrant.
From the surviving records Of ancient
man, II is quite apparent that the north
east coast OF Greenland was once the pop
ulous habitat OF the Esquimau, but either
scourge In some form or the rigors OF
the climate combined with scanty game,