174 DISCOVERY REPORTS 



harbour. A Hearson electric oven, an electric hotplate and a Primus stove with water 

 bath are also provided. The small workshop was in constant use for the adjustment 

 and repair of scientific apparatus. The darkroom is 4 by 6| ft. and has a sink, a lead- 

 covered bench and other usual fittings. 



THE RESEARCH STEAMSHIP 'WILLIAM SCORESBY' 



CONSTRUCTION, ACCOMMODATION AND MACHINERY 



As already explained this vessel was constructed to carry out investigations of three 

 different kinds. She was to assist the 'Discovery' in routine observations on plankton 

 and hydrography, to make trawling surveys in the neighbourhood of the Falkland 

 Islands with a full-sized commercial trawl, and to undertake experiments in marking 

 whales. In designing a ship for these varied purposes special consideration had to be 

 given to the intended work of whale-marking. For this a vessel of high speed, able to 

 turn with great rapidity, was essential, and it was decided that the design so far as 

 practicable should follow that of a modern whale-catcher. An additional consideration 

 was the need for very large bunker capacity, for it was realized that in the course of her 

 work the vessel would be required to make direct passages between Cape Town and 

 the Falkland Islands. 



Construction. The vessel as finally designed was larger and more powerful than 

 most whale-catchers. This was necessary to enable her to carry an exceptionally large 

 amount of oil fuel and to attain a reasonably good speed, and also to accommodate 

 the personnel which the work demanded. In other respects the vessel differs from most 

 whaler-catchers in that she is considerably stronger in construction; her framing at the 

 forward end is specially closely spaced and the bow plating doubled for a large extent 

 of the forward part of the underwater portion of the vessel. In addition a doubling 

 of steel plate extends throughout the length of the vessel at the water line. These special 

 features are intended as protection against ice. The stem and rudder frame are also 

 designed for encounter with ice, both being rabbeted or recessed so that the edges of 

 the plating are protected against chafe. 



The vessel was built by Messrs Cook, Welton and Gemmell, Ltd., and her principal 



dimensions are as follows : 



ft. in. 



Length over all 



Length on water line 



Beam moulded 

 Depth moulded 

 Designed draught ... 

 Designed speed 12 knots 



When the ship returned to England after her first commission a few minor alterations 

 were made. Her general arrangement, as now in service, is described below and is 



