twisting and concussion to which the boats were subject.[013] On each side of the keel, and projecting considerably below it, was attached a strong “runner,” shod with smooth steel, in the manner of a sledge, upon which the boat entirely rested while upon the ice; and, to afford some additional chance of making progress on hard and level fields, we also applied to each boat two wheels, of five feet diameter, and a small one abaft, having a swivel for steering by, like that of a Bath chair; but these, owing to the irregularities of the ice, did not prove of any service, and were subsequently relinquished.  A “span” of hide-rope was attached to the forepart of the runners, and to this were affixed two strong ropes of horse-hair, for dragging the boat:  each individual being furnished with a broad leathern shoulder-belt, which could readily be fastened to or detached from the drag-ropes.  The interior arrangement consisted only of two thwarts; a locker at each end for the nautical and other instruments, and for the smaller stores; and a very slight framework along the sides for containing the bags of biscuit and our spare clothes.  A bamboo mast nineteen feet long, a tanned duck sail, answering also the purpose of an awning, a spreat, one boat-hook, fourteen paddles, and a steer-oar, completed each boat’s equipment.

Two officers and twelve men (ten of the latter being seamen, and two marines) were selected for each boat’s crew.  It was proposed to take with us resources for ninety days; to set out from Spitzbergen, if possible, about the beginning of June; and to occupy the months of June, July, and August in attempting to reach the Pole and returning to the ship; making an average journey of thirteen miles and a half per day.  Our provisions consisted of biscuit of the best wheaten flour; beef pemmican;[014] sweetened cocoa-powder, and a small proportion of rum, the latter concentrated to fifty-five per cent. above proof, in order to save weight and stowage.  The proper instruments were provided, both by the Admiralty and the Board of Longitude, for making such observations as might be interesting in the higher latitudes, and as the nature of the enterprise would permit.  Six pocket chronometers, the property of the public, were furnished for this service; and Messrs. Parkinson and Frodsham, with their usual liberality, intrusted to our care several other excellent watches, on trial, at their own expense.

Annexed is a list of the different articles composing the equipment of the boats, together with the actual weight of each.

Enter-      Endeav-
prise       our
lbs.        lbs. 
Boat .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 1539        1542
Bamboo mast, 1 spreat, 1 boat-hook, 1 steer-oar.     .   46-1/2      46-1/2
Fourteen paddles .     .     .     .     .     .     .   41          41
Sail (or awning) .     .     .     .     .     .     .   22          22
Spare rope and line    .     .     .     .     .     .    6           6