278 SCOTT’S LAST EXPEDITION 
Across the Atlantic the plankton nets were put over, when 
possible, for half an hour every night, and a good series of 
catches was made; the middle watch was chosen, as experience 
had shown the practical impossibility of entirely preventing gar- 
bage, ashes, &c., from being thrown overboard during the day, 
and the nets faithfully collected everything that went over. At 
night, however, after washing down the shoots and the ship’s 
side where ashes had been thrown over, the haul was made and 
the net brought in absolutely clean. 
Rio was reached on April 28, and the ship stopped here four 
days, coaling, taking in fresh provisions, and giving leave. 
While crossing the tropics the dog watches were taken in the 
stoke-hold by the after-guard. This gave each fireman a sixteen 
hours’ spell free of watch two days out of every three; a great 
boon when the conditions are trying, as they undoubtedly are, 
in the engine-room and stokehold in the tropics. 
The ship called at Fayal in the Azores, in order to cable 
home, and anchored off Horta on June 2. She was placed in 
quarantine, much to our chagrin, though facilities were allowed 
for sending cables and getting provisions. 
At last, on June 11, the ship dropped anchor in Crow Sound, 
Scilly Islands, where two days were spent, painting and cleaning 
up, and on June 14 she arrived at Cardiff, exactly three years 
after leaving. 
Here it only remains to acknowledge the exemplary conduct 
of the ship’s company, fore and aft. Every member worked to 
help the Expedition forward loyally and cheerfully, accepting 
each position as it came, all hands doing their best to help mat- 
ters forward and to see the humorous side of everything. 
