204 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION 



sketch and written colour record, and explained its suitability 

 to this climate as opposed to coloured chalks, &c. — a very practi- 

 cal method for cold fingers and one that becomes more accurate 

 with practice in observation. His theme then became the ex- 

 treme importance of accuracy, his mode of expression and ex- 

 planation frankly Ruskinesque. Don't put in meaningless lines 

 — every line should be from observation. So with contrast 

 of light and shade — fine shading, subtle distinction, everything 

 — impossible without care, patience, and trained attention. 



He raised a smile by generalising failures in sketches of 

 others of our party which had been brought to him for criticism. 

 He pointed out how much had been put in from preconceived 

 notion. ' He will draw a berg faithfully as it is now and he 

 studies it, but he leaves sea and sky to be put in afterwards, 

 as he thinks they must be like sea and sky everywhere else, and 

 he is content to try and remember how these should be done.' 

 Nature's harmonies cannot be guessed at. 



He quoted much from Ruskin, leading on a little deeper to 

 * Composition,' paying a hearty tribute to Ponting. 



The lecture was delivered in the author's usual modest strain, 

 but unconsciously it was expressive of himself and his whole- 

 hearted thoroughness. He stands very high in the scale of 

 human beings — ho\^high I scarcely knew till the experience of 

 the past few months. 



There is no member of our party so universally esteemed; 

 only to-night I realise how patiently and consistently he has given 

 time and attention to help the efforts of the other sketchers, and 

 so it is all through; he has had a hand in almost every lecture 

 given, and has been consulted in almost every effort which has 

 been made towards the solution of the practical or theoretical 

 problems of our polar world. 



The achievement of a great result by patient work is the 

 best possible object lesson for struggling humanity, for the re- 

 sults of genius, however admirable, can rarely be instructive. 

 The chief of the Scientific Staff sets an example which is more 

 potent than any other factor in maintaining that bond of good 

 fellowship which is the marked and beneficent characteristic of 

 our community. 



