I902] SMOKING HABITS 265 



ship, the observer is often subjected to exasperating difficulties, 

 and to conditions when his conscience must be at variance 

 with his inchnation. Sometimes the lantern will go out at the 

 screen, and he is forced to return on board to light it ; some- 

 times it will refuse to shine on the thin threads of mercury of 

 the thermometer until it is obvious that his proximity has 

 affected the reading, and he is forced to stand off until it has 

 again fallen to the air temperature. He will climb to the 

 indicator of the Robinson anemometer, and find it so difficult 

 to see that the glass has frosted over before he has accom- 

 plished the reading, and he is obhged to scrape away the film 

 of ice that covers it with his bare hand. Occasionally he has 

 to cherish water with tender care against its freezing until he 

 can re-wet the wet-bulb thermometer ; and, again, he may 

 have to remain stationary with upturned face for several 

 minutes to determine the direction of motion of some elusive 

 upper cloud. All these and many other difficulties in taking 

 observations which may be in themselves valueless are met in 

 the right spirit. I think we all appreciate that they are part 

 of a greater whole whose value must stand or fall by attention 

 to detail.' 



^July 24. — ..." Pipe, money, baccy, matches." I have 

 forgotten the origin of this formula, but it is one which I have 

 used for many years to remind myself of the indispensable 

 contents of my pockets for a run on shore. I thought of it 

 as I went out to-day, and, wondering what formula would 

 replace it under present conditions, decided that there was 

 none, as one has no requirement out of doors here but suit- 

 able apparel. Few, if any, smoke outside — in fact, it would 

 be an impossible performance when the wind is blowing ; and 

 as for money, I look with mixed feelings at a sovereign which 

 is gradually growing tarnished in the drawer of my desk ; few 

 coins have had such a restful time as this sovereign — and for 

 the matter of that, few persons such a restful time as its 

 owner — but I expect for neither of us will there be much 

 repose when we get back to civilisation. Meanwhile it is 

 rather fascinating to consider the moneyless condition in 



