SAILING ORDERS. xvii 



general outline of the shores are sketched in as faithfully as cir- 

 cumstances will admit ; and to ensure their recognition by future 

 explorers. In the determination of the astronomical position of 

 the principal points, no doubts should be permitted to exist as to 

 the fidelity of the results that may be arrived at, so as to ensure 

 confidence and respect. 



26. Further, as the object of the expedition is for the advance- 

 ment of science and natural knowledge, the memoranda furnished 

 by the Royal and Royal Geographical Societies of London, at the 

 request of their Lordships, are supplied for your guidance. The 

 most approved instruments have been furnished to you for the 

 purpose of pursuing research in the several branches of physical 

 science, and as certain of your officers have been specially instructed 

 in the modes of observing, you will take care to give them every 

 fair opportunity of adding their contributions thereto. 



27. You will also receive assistance from the two gentlemen 

 who have been appointed as naturalists to the expedition; and 

 every reasonable facility should be given for the collection and pre- 

 servation of such specimens of the animal, vegetable, and mineral 

 kingdoms as can be conveniently stowed on board the ships. 

 These specimens are to be considered the property of Her Majesty's 

 Government, and to be at their disposal. 



28. In case of any irreparable accident happening to one of 

 the ships, the officers and crew of the disabled vessel are to be 

 removed to the other, and such arrangements are to be made as 

 appear to you to be the most expedient and conducive to the 

 objects of the expedition. 



29. In the event of the 'Alert' being the ship disabled, my 

 Lords hereby authorise you to take command of the ' Discovery,' 

 and in the event of any fatal accident happening to yourself, 

 Captain Stephenson is hereby authorised to take command of the 

 ' Alert,' placing the officer next in seniority in command of the 

 ' Discovery.' Also, in the event of your own inability, by sickness 

 or otherwise at any period of this service, to continue to carry 

 these instructions into execution, you are to transfer them to the 

 officer the next in seniority to you employed in the expedition, 

 who is hereby required by their Lordships to execute them in the 

 best manner practicable for the attainment of the objects in view. 



30. Every available opportunity is to be taken to communicate 

 your proceedings to me for their Lordships' information. 



vol. i. a 



