_A “home” in the polar regions._]
Permanent human life exists within some seven hundred miles of the
North Pole; none is found within twenty-three hundred miles of the
South Pole. The history of Arctic exploration goes back nearly four
hundred years. The history of Antarctic efforts covers one hundred and
forty years. The record of Arctic exploration is studded with crushed
and foundering ships, and the deaths of hundreds of brave men. The
record of Antarctic exploration shows the loss of but one ship, and the
death of a dozen men.
[Illustration: Copyright, Underwood & Underwood