i9I THE BIOLOGIST'S CUBICLE 163 



biologist's microscope stood on a neat bench surrounded by 

 enamel dishes, vessels, and books neatly arranged; behind him, 

 when seated, rose two neat bunks with neat, closely curtained 

 drawers for clothing and neat reflecting sconces for candles; 

 overhead was a neat arrangement for drying socks with several 

 nets, neatly bestowed. The carpentering to produce this effect 

 had been of quite a high order, and was in very marked con- 

 trast with that exhibited for the hasty erections in other cubicles. 

 The pillars and boarding of the bunks had carefully finished 

 edges and were stained to mahogany brown. Nelson's bench is 

 situated very conveniently under the largest of the hut windows, 

 and had also an acetylene lamp, so that both in summer and 

 winter he has all conveniences for his indoor work. 



Day appeared to have been unceasingly busy during my 

 absence. Everyone paid tribute to his mechanical skill and 

 expressed gratitude for the help he had given in adjusting in- 

 struments and generally helping forward the scientific work. 

 He was entirely responsible for the heating, lighting, and venti- 

 lating arrangements, and as all these appear satisfactory he 

 deserved much praise. Particulars concerning these arrange- 

 ments I shall give later; as a first impression it is sufficient to 

 note that the warmth and lighting of the hut seemed as good 

 as could be desired, whilst for our comfort the air seemed fresh 

 and pure. Day had also to report some progress with the 

 motor sledges, but this matter also I leave for future con- 

 sideration. 



My attention was very naturally turned from the heating 

 arrangements to the cooking stove and its custodian, Clissold. I 

 had already heard much of the surpassingly satisfactory meals 

 which his art had produced, and had indeed already a first 

 experience of them. Now I was introduced to the cook's cor- 

 ner with its range and ovens, its pots and pans, its side tables 

 and well-covered shelves. Much was to be gathered therefrom, 

 although a good meal by no means depends only on kitchen con- 

 veniences. It was gratifying to learn that the stove had proved 

 itself economical and the patent fuel blocks a most convenient 

 and efficient substitute for coal. Save for the thickness of the 

 furnace cheeks and the ,size of the oven Clissold declared him- 

 self wholly satisfied. He feared that the oven would prove too 

 small to keep up a constant supply of bread for all hands; 



