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of these minor imperfections, and the lateness of the season, we should have started toward the Pole had the weather conditions made it practicable to do so, and had our standard compass not become deranged. Indeed, after the ship had gallantly fought her way under full power past two mountainous islands, against which the increasing wind was driving her, we felt so well content with her progress that the order was given to "steer north." Then it was discovered the compass was not working properly, due to an accident; by this time the fast-gathering wind and snow from the northwest shut out our view of the coast, made it impossible to see much more than a ship's length, and we were lost in the thick weather. Under the circumstances there was nothing to do but seek a landing, and this was effected in safety upon a large glacier. The descent was made with little injury to the ship, not even the instruments being broken by the shock.

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[[caption]] MOTORS AND MACHINERY OF THE "AMERICA." (THE SMALL MOTOR OF 5 HORSEPOWER AT LEFT DRIVES AN AIR-BLOWER FOR FORCING AIR INTO THE BALLOON, AND ALSO TO START THE 70-80 HORSEPOWER LORRAINE-DIETRICH AT THE RIGHT.) [[/caption]]

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