The meteorological chart for April 12, 1913, compiled by the Commonwealth Meteorological Bureau A diagrammatic sketch illustrating the meteorological conditions at the main base, noon, September 6, 1913 Plan of the hut, Macquarie Island Map of the north end of Macquarie Island by L. R. Blake A section across Macquarie Island through Mt. Elder, by L. R. Blake A sketch illustrating the distribution of the Mackellar Islets A section illustrating the moat in the Antarctic continental shelf Signatures of members of the land parties A section of the Antarctic plateau from the coast to a point 300 miles inland, along the route followed by the southern sledging party A section across a part of the Antarctic continent through the South Magnetic Pole A section of the floor of the Southern Ocean between Tasmania and King George V Land A section of the floor of the Southern Ocean between Western Australia and Queen Mary Land A map showing Antarctic land discoveries preceding 1838 A map showing Antarctic land discoveries preceding 1896 A map of the Antarctic regions as known at the present day FOLDING MAPS Regional map showing the area covered by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914 King George V Land, showing tracks of the eastern sledging parties from the main base Queen Mary Land, showing tracks of the sledging party from the main base CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND PREPARATIONS Notwithstanding the fact that it has been repeatedly stated in the public press that the Australasian Antarctic expedition had no intention of making the South Geographical Pole its objective, it is evident that our aims were not properly realized by a large section of the British public, considering that many references have appeared in print attributing that purpose to the undertaking. With three other Antarctic expeditions already in the field, it appeared to many, therefore, that the venture was entirely superfluous. The Expedition had a problem sketched in unmistakable feature, and the following pages will shortly set forth its historical origin and rationale. The Antarctic problem** assumed its modern aspect after Captain Cook's circumnavigation of the globe in high southern latitudes, accomplished between 1772 and 1775. Fact replaced the fiction and surmise of former times, and maps appeared showing a large blank area at the southern extremity of the earth, where speculative cartographers had affirmed the existence of habitable land extending far towards the Equator. Cook's voyage made it clear that if there were any considerable mass of Antarctic land, it must indubitably lie within the Antarctic Circle, and be subjected to such stringent climatic conditions as to render it an unlikely habitation for man. ** Dr. H. R. Mill has compiled a complete account of Antarctic exploration in his "Siege of the South Pole." Refer also to the Historical Appendix for an abridged statement.