2 20 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [June 



There was argument over physical conditions influencing ex- 

 plosions — especially as to barometric Influence. There was a 

 good deal of disjointed Information on lavas, ropy or rapid flow- 

 ing and viscous — also on spatter cones and caverns. 



In all cases lavas cool slowly — heat has been found close 

 to the surface after 87 years. On Etna there is lava over Ice. 

 The lecturer finally reviewed the volcanlcity of our own neigh- 

 bourhood. He described various vents of Erebus, thinks Castle 

 Rock a ' plug ' — here some discussion — Observation Hill part of 

 old volcano, nothing In common with Crater Hill. Inaccessible 

 Island seems to have no connection with Erebus. 



Finally we had a few words on the origin of volcanlcity and 

 afterwards some discussion on an old point — the relation to the 

 sea. Why are volcanoes close to sea? Debenham thinks not 

 cause and effect, but two effects resulting from same cause. 



Great argument as to whether effect of barometric changes 

 on Erebus vapour can be observed. Not much was said about 

 the theory of volcanoes, but Debenham touched on American 

 theories — the melting out from internal magma. 



There was nothing much to catch hold of throughout, but 

 discussion of such a subject sorts one's Ideas. 



Saturday, June 17. — Northerly wind, temperature change- 

 able, dropping to - 16°. 



Wind doubtful In the afternoon. Moon still obscured — it 

 is very trying. Feeling dull in spirit to-day. 



Sunday, June 18. — Another blizzard — the weather Is dis- 

 tressing. It ought to settle down soon, but unfortunately the 

 moon is passing. 



Held the usual Morning Service. Hymns not quite successful 

 to-day. 



To-night Atkinson has taken the usual monthly measurement. 

 I don't think there has been much change. 



Monday, June 19. — A pleasant change to find the air calm 

 and the sky clear — temperature down to -28°. At 1.30 the 

 moon vanished behind the western mountains, after which, in 

 spite of the clear sky, it was very dark on the floe. Went out 

 on ski across the bay, then round about the cape, and so home, 

 facing a keen northerly wind on return. 



Atkinson Is making a new fish trap hole; from one cause and 

 another, the breaking of the trap, and the freezing of the hole, 



