INTBODUCTION 



TO 



THE BE POET ON MAMMALS AND BIEDS. 



THE collection of Mammals and Birds which forms the basis of my Report was made 

 on board the 'Discovery,' and the 'Morning' in the Southern Seas, between 1901 and 

 1904. For the 'Discovery' collections I am responsible myself; the 'Morning' 

 collections were made by Dr. Gr. A. Davidson during two voyages of relief to us under 

 Captain Colbeck in 1902 and 1903. 



It is not necessary for me to write at length upon the circumstances under which 

 our voyage was made. Its history is to be found in detail in Captain Scott's narrative 

 (The Voyage of the ' Discovery,' 2 vols., London, 1905). What we who were members 

 of the Expedition owe to Sir Clements Markham, and what we owe to all who 

 interested themselves, as he did, in our work and in our welfare, is there told in a way 

 which leaves little for me to add. We agree with every word of it. 



But with regard to Captain Scott himself there is a point to be mentioned which 

 finds no place in his book, namely, the untiring interest that he took in the scientific 

 work of those who were placed under his command. Where opportunities must be 

 made and taken at the right moment, it speaks well for the Commander if they are 

 not often missed ; and I can say, for my own part, that although a failure to seize 

 opportunities sometimes happened, it was not once due to any lack of sympathy on his 

 part. It is to the interest and goodwill that he showed in all our work that such 

 results as we have been able to collect are very largely due. 



But, indeed, there was not one of the naval officers who did not constantly go 

 out of his way to help us by observation, or by practical and often heavy and 

 unpleasant labour; and, if I mention Eng.-Lieut. Skelton as having given me personally 

 the most useful help of all, first as a photographer, and then as a keen sportsman 

 and collector, it does not mean that the others were less generous. 



I owe much to Mr. Hodgson, who, in my absence on various sledge journeys 

 voluntarily made it his duty to carry on my work ; and to Lieut. Royds, who took a 

 very practical part in the collection of facts and observations. 



