I902] WORK OF THE OFFICERS 227 



hours and in the evenings. Armitage is reworking the 

 observations for position taken during the summer cruise, and 

 correcting his magnetic data. This is a very sedentary employ- 

 ment, but occasionally he is to be seen out on the floe with 

 the large theodolite taking star observations for the rating of 

 the chronometers — a very cold job, both for the observer and 

 for the timekeeper, in which capacity I sometimes attend. 



' It is satisfactory to find that all four chronometers are 

 keeping a steady rate, notwithstanding that the temperature 

 in the chronometer-box frequently falls below freezing-point. 

 Every morning the clocks are set by the chronometer, so that 

 our daily routine is timed to the minute. 



' Luckily Koettlitz has not much to do in connection with 

 his medical duties, as there is little sickness, but occasionally 

 there are wounds and cuts to be dressed and small ailments 

 to be doctored. In his daily walk he has undertaken the 

 important duty of reading the thermometer off Cape Armitage. 

 It is an instrument with a minimum indicator, and is attached 

 to a post about i^ mile from the ship. As I have before 

 remarked, even at this very short distance the common 

 difference of temperature between it and the ship's screen 

 is from 10° to 15°. There are regular duties in the medical 

 line which are of great importance, and which are shared by 

 the two doctors. Every tin of food has to be examined by 

 them after it is opened and before it is served out. This is no 

 light task when hours are considered ; for instance, Wilson has 

 to be out early to examine the milk for the day. Another self- 

 imposed duty of the doctors is to take weights and measure- 

 ments and examine the blood of everyone, fore and aft, once 

 during the month ; all the information thus obtained is tabu- 

 lated by Koettlitz, forming a very interesting record of the 

 changes in different individuals living more or less under 

 similar conditions. 



' Soon after the first of each month in the evening we all 

 gather in the wardroom clad in pyjamas, and are put through 

 our paces as follows : Our weight is taken, and then the 

 measurement of chest, filled and empty, waist, calf, forearm 



Q 2 



