A LETTEB FROM CAPTAIN SCOTT 44S 



doubt. I suppose it is rather too much to expect the 

 ordinary reviewer to understand what a lot of difference 

 this makes. 



For a sailor it is easy to understand what Boss's posi- 

 tion was when sailing along the Barrier. One knows well 

 how careful he was obliged to be and one never ceases to 

 wonder that he accomplished so much in his unhandy ships. 



Two other points may be quoted: 



The whole question of scurvy is bewildering — the history 

 of the disease seems full of contradictions. The account you 

 give of your provisions is extremely interesting and shows 

 that there were certainly no very elaborate precautions 

 taken in your case. It would almost seem well that your 

 supplies did not undergo the test of a polar winter. 



I remember that it was quite news to me to hear from you 

 that Boss was coldly received on his return. At first it 

 seems inexplicable when one considers how highly his work 

 is now appreciated. From the point of view of the general 

 public however I have always thought that Boss was neg- 

 lected, and as you once said he is very far from doing himself 

 justice in his book. I did not know that Barrow was the 

 bete noire who did so much to discount Boss's results. It is 

 an interesting side light on such a venture. 



I find however that Boss did put Barrow's name on his 

 Chart. You will find C. Barrow on the Chart in vol. i. of 

 my work ; it is just North of Cape Adare. 



Other appreciations of the work of the Expedition will 

 appear later. 



To return to the sequence of events, a wave of influenza 

 devastated England in the opening months of 1900. 



To Lord Bedesdale 



January 3, 1900. 



The column of deaths in the Times is appalling, day after 

 day ! Not a few of my old friends appear in it, chief amongst 

 them Paget, which depresses me much. We had botanised 

 together in our teens. I shall go to the Abbey to-morrow. 



Paget and myself were two out of the first Board (of 4) 

 that was appointed by Government to examine on the com- 



