20 SHIPS UNDOCKED. \_March, 



of rare objects, and all matters connected with natural 

 history, our acknowledgments are specially due to Sir 

 William Burnett, the Director- General of the Medical 

 Department of the Navy. 



The tents, sledges, and general equipments, as on the 

 last expedition, were furnished by the Dockyard at Wool- 

 wich. Gutta-percha cases of all descriptions were pro- 

 vided, but none succeeded : they will not stand intense 

 or moderate cold ; but some adaptation of this, or Jeffries' 

 marine glue, would, I am satisfied, under judicious ar- 

 rangement, prove highly important. 



On the 19th of March the ship left the dry dock, ma- 

 king a most ominous lurch, and was secured alongside 

 the Dockyard. On the 25th, hauled off to the ' Charger' 

 hulk, and nothing appeared likely to detain us beyond 

 the contemplated day, April 15. 



On the 10th of April all the vessels were in the stream, 

 and constantly crowded by inquiring and interested vi- 

 sitors. On the Monday the magnetic instruments were 

 embarked, and a series of very valuable thermometers, 

 specially prepared, from Greenwich and Kew Obser- 

 vatories. Tuesday and Wednesday were exciting days : 

 the presentation of twenty-five silken wrought banners 

 for the sledges, by ladies deeply interested in our suc- 

 cess, and our leave-taking from these warmly esteemed 

 friends and their relatives, will never be effaced from 

 our memories. 



To the Lords of the Admiralty generally, to Captain 

 Hamilton, Captain Milne, and Mr. Grant, I personally 

 owe my acknowledgments, for the kindness and facilities 

 afforded me throughout the equipment of this Expedition. 



