6o THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' 



with the question, and perhaps especially to the great 

 administrative experiences of Sir George Goldie, all difficulties 

 were speedily solved, and the instructions were finally drafted. 

 There can be no doubt that the expedition, as well as the 

 Societies, owes much to this Committee, which, after piloting 

 a difficult question through rough waters, furnished instructions 

 of such a nature as I have previously indicated. In quoting 

 these instructions I confine myself to such parts as relate to 

 the conduct of the expedition, disregarding, for obvious 

 reasons, those which have reference to the conditions of our 

 service. I also omit several paragraphs which, owing to a 

 subsequent alteration in the organisation of our officers, 

 became non-effective. 



Extracts from the Instructions under which we Sailed. 



. . . The objects of the expedition are (a) to determine, as far 

 as possible, the nature, condition, and extent of that portion of 

 the South Polar lands which is included in the scope of your 

 expedition ; and (d) to make a magnetic survey in the southern 

 regions to the south of the 40th parallel, and to carry on meteoro- 

 logical, oceanographic, geological, biological, and physical investi- 

 gations and researches. Neither of these objects is to be sacrificed 

 to the other. 



. . . We, therefore, impress upon you that the greatest 

 importance is attached to the series of magnetic observations to 

 be taken under your superintendence, and we desire that you will 

 spare no pains to ensure their accuracy and continuity. The base 

 station for your magnetic work will be at Melbourne or at Christ- 

 church, New Zealand. A secondary base station is to be estab- 

 lished by you, if possible, in Victoria Land. You should endeavour 

 to carry the magnetic survey from the Cape to your primary base 

 station south of the 40th parallel, and from the same station across 

 the Pacific to the meridian of Greenwich. It is also desired that 

 you should observe along the tracks of Ross, in order to ascertain 

 the magnetic changes that have taken place in the interval between 

 the two voyages. 



... It is desired that the extent of land should be ascertained 

 by following the coastlines ; that the depth and nature of the ice- 



