31 MAY 1902, Page 25

Further North than Nansen. By H.R.H. the Duke of the

Abruzzi. (H. W. Bell. 3s.)—The narrative has the interest, and, we must add, the monotony, of all such stories of travel. Nowhere does man carry on a harder fight against Nature, always ready to crush him if he remits his exertions and his watchfulness for a moment. Yet there is something new in the development of the methods and instruments with which this struggle is carried on. This element is not absent from the Duke's narrative. There is a satisfactory record of scientific achievement. As to the special feat of beating Nansen's record, this was achieved by Lieutenant Cagni, who reached with his sledge the point of 86° 37". The Duke bestows high praise upon the dogs ; but what a life is that of these creatures ! Were they made for sufferings so continuous and so intense?