The world never interests itself quite as much in Antarctic
as in Arctic exploration. There will, however, be interest in Dr. Nordenskjold's voyage to the South in the 'Antarctic,' if only because of the wonderful escape of the explorer and his party. The 'Antarctic' was crushed by ice in Erebus and Terror Bay, but the Swedish Captain Larsen, by remark- able skill and courage, saved all on board, and subsequently rescued Dr. Nordenskjold and three companions, who had quitted her for the purpose of exploring Louis Philippe Island. There the party, living for months on the flesh of penguins and seals, were able to add much to scientific knowledge, until rescued, with the crew of the 'Antarctic,' by the 'Uruguay,' which had been despatched in search of them by the Argentine Government. We need not doubt that when detailed narratives are published we shall find that the distinctive note of Arctic exploration, the freezing out of cowardice, impatience, and most other bad qualities, will appear repeated in the Southern seas. Such adventures seem useless, but they enlarge our conceptions of what men can do and endure.
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