1906/02/01 by Michael Barne, Clements R. Markham · 1 citation
Environmental Science · #Geology #Polar Research and Ecology
paper · doi:10.2307/1776683
openalex publication_date 1906/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
PROJECTED EXPEDITION OF LIEUT. MICHAEL BARNE, R.N. January, 1906. WIHEN the Society resolved to take up the great work of Antarctic discovery, it was certainly with the intention of promoting the continuity of our researches until that work was completed. The first effort was wisely decided to be made with a view to solving the geographical problems suggested by the voyage of Sir James Ross. The complete success of the recent Antarctic Expedition, under the command of Captain Scott, with this object, while largely extending our actual knowledge, has also opened out several new problems in geography and geology of which we are bound to seek the solution. These are the discovery of the unknown portion of the great mountain range, the extent and character of King Edward VII. Land, the southern extent of the great ice barrier, and the distribution of land and water on the other side of the pole; to be ascertained by way of the Weddell sea. The latitude reached by Weddell in that sea has not yet been passed. For the next effort there is a clearly defined and definite object, leading directly to further increases to our knowledge. This is the discovery of the insular or continental character of Graham Land. When this is certainly known there will be a great advance towards the solution of the chief problems brought out by the discoveries of Captain Scott's Antarctic Expedition. An enterprise with this definite object would only entail one-eighth of the cost of the expedition of 1901-04. It will have an object of great geographical importance, with a fair prospect of success. There are alternative routes by the open sea in Weddell's track, or along the east coast of Graham Land. Lieut. Michael Barne, a distinguished member of the late expedition, is striving to organize an attempt to achieve this great geographical object. There is no available person who has equal qualifications. With inexhaustible energy and pluck, he is ballasted with prudence and experience. He is a good sailor and navigator, a trained magnetic observer, and he had charge of the deep-sea soundinggear in the last expedition. Barne has had the experience of two polar winters, he conducted two extended sledge journeys, and he won the love and confidence of all who served under him. Captain Scott has the highest opinions of his young lieutenant's qualifications for leading a difficult enterprise. With such a commander we may feel confident in the result, and that his expedition will advance the work of Antarctic discovery by a long step. It will be necessary to raise funds, and there will be other difficulties; but they must be overcome, for it is a comparatively small sum that is needed. There will certainly be cordial sympathy on the part of our Council. CLEMENT'S It. MARKHAM.