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, m 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 n, 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. 



