'11:LE VOYAGE OF THE ' WHY NOT P
Da. CH1ECOT, who had commanded the Francais' in an
earlier expedition, started in the Pourquoi Pas from Guernsey on September 5th, 1908, and reached Havre on June 4th, 1910. Here we have first some interesting details of the preparations, the voyage, the sojourn in Antarctic regions, and the scientific activities with which the time was occupied. In the way of exploration not much was done. Dr. Chareot did not get very far beyond the Antarctic Circle. But scientific results of importance were obtained, and in respect of the preparations made, the conduct of the expedition, and its absolute success so far as health was concerned, nothing could have been better. The details of cost are interesting. The expedition was absent for one year and nine months, it was manned by a crew of twenty-two, and there were, with the captain, eight officers and attached scientists. The total cost was £32,000, to which should be added something for some generous gifts of fuel. Three naval officers were paid by the French Admiralty. Perhaps we might fix the total at £35,000. The vessel cost £16,000, and was worth at least half that sum when she was brought back—somewhat knocked about it is true, but substantially whole. This reduces the cost to £27,000. This will be found to work out at something less than thirty shillings per diem for each man employed. Dr. Chareot tells his story in a very pleasant way—how we feel for him when be had to slaughter the confiding penguins He has to tell of not a few hardships and perils and of some sickness. Still the " Voyage of the 'Why Not P " may for every reason stand high in the records of Polar adventure.
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