68 THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' [Aug. 



that night anchored off Funchal. The directors of the 

 Union-Castle Line had generously placed a small quantity 

 of coal at our disposal at this port, and we hoped to take it 

 in and to complete some small repairs on the following day ; 

 but, as luck would have it, this proved a ' Fiesta ' (feast day), 

 and we were unable to get to sea until the afternoon of the 

 1 6th, though our courteous agents, Messrs. Blandy, did their 

 best to hasten the work. On sailing from Madeira we 

 reluctantly bade farewell to Dr. H. R. Mill, who, as an expert 

 in oceanography and meteorology, had accompanied us on 

 the first stage of our journey to assist us in arranging the 

 various branches of work in these departments. 



By this time, however, the routine of our scientific ob- 

 servations had taken form, and departments had been allotted 

 to various officers who continued to be responsible for them 

 throughout the voyage ; and now was commenced that steady, 

 patient record of observation on which so much of the success 

 of an expedition must depend. 



The analysis of the records of many thousands of ocean 

 voyages in all parts of the world has resulted in the issue of 

 sailing directions which give the best advice as to the course 

 to be taken by various classes of vessels. As a rule full- 

 powered steamers alone can proceed directly from port to 

 port; small-powered steamers and, still more, sailing ships are 

 obliged to shape a devious course in order to take advantage 

 of favourable winds and currents. The progress of the 

 ' Discovery ' was so wholly dependent on wind and weather 

 that in making ocean passages she was obliged to be con- 

 sidered in this respect as a sailing ship, and to make long 

 detours which involved the traversing of many hundreds of 

 miles more than would be required on the direct track. 



With the help of the N.E. trade wind we made steady 

 progress to the south during the third week in August, but 

 losing the trade in 17 N. lat, our daily run was so reduced by 

 baffling winds that we did not cross the line till August 31. 



The traditional customs of this event were fully observed. 

 Father Neptune and his Tritons held their court on a platform 



