His expeditions were splendidly equipped, and the scientific results were extraordinarily rich.  The point that compels our special admiration in Charcot’s voyages is that he chose one of the most difficult fields of the Antarctic zone to work in.  The ice conditions here are extremely unfavourable, and navigation in the highest degree risky.  A coast full of submerged reefs and a sea strewn with icebergs was what the Frenchmen had to contend with.  The exploration of such regions demands capable men and stout vessels.

Sir Ernest Shackleton! —­ the name has a brisk sound.  At its mere mention we see before us a man of indomitable will and boundless courage.  He has shown us what the will and energy of a single man can perform.  He gained his first experience of Antarctic exploration as a member of the British expedition in the Discovery, under Captain Scott.  It was a good school.  Scott, Wilson, and Shackleton, formed the southern party, with the highest latitude as their goal.  They reached 82deg. 17’ S. —­ a great record at that time.  Being attacked by scurvy, Shackleton had to go home at the first opportunity.

Shortly after his return Shackleton began to make active preparations.  Few people had any faith in Shackleton.  Wasn’t it he who was sent home from the Discovery after the first year?  What does he want to go out for again?  He has shown well enough that he can’t stand the work!  Shackleton had a hard struggle to find the necessary funds.  He left England unheeded and loaded with debts in August, 1907, on board the Nimrod, bound for the South Pole.  With surprising frankness he declared his intention of trying to reach the Pole itself.  So far as I know, he was the first who ventured to say straight out that the Pole was his object.  This hearty frankness was the first thing that struck me, and made me look more closely at the man.  Later on I followed his steps with the greatest interest.  The expedition, unnoticed when it left England, was soon forgotten.  At most, people connected the name of Shackleton with the rank of “Lieutenant R.N.R.”  And the months went by ....

Then suddenly came a piece of news that made a great stir.  It was in the latter half of March, 1909.  The telegraphic instruments were busy all over the world; letter by letter, word by word, they ticked out the message, until it could be clearly read that one of the most wonderful achievements of Polar exploration had been accomplished.  Everyone was spellbound.  Was it possible?  Could it be true?  Shackleton, Lieutenant R.N.R., had fought his way to lat. 88deg. 23’ S.

Seldom has a man enjoyed a greater triumph; seldom has a man deserved it better.

As the details of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s expedition will be fresh in the minds of English readers, it is unnecessary to recapitulate them here.  A few points may, however, be noted, for comparison with the Fram’s expedition.

The plan was to leave New Zealand at the beginning of 1908 and go into winter quarters on the Antarctic continent with the necessary provisions and equipment, while the vessel returned to New Zealand and came back to take off the land party in the following year.