256 Homeward Bound. 



duckling (Somateria spectabilis) , a long-tailed duck 

 (Fuligula glacialis) , and an arctic tern (Sterna 

 arctica) , all good specimens. 



I shall be able to make a fair delineation of the 

 trend of the land south of Cape Garry, with correct 

 latitude, which I have again confirmed to-day by 

 sights when abreast of the cape. I do not under- 

 stand its position being- so much out on the Ad- 

 miralty chart. I feel uncommonly stiff to-day, and 

 all my bones are aching from carrying the deer. 

 We must have walked yesterday upwards of thirty 

 miles, which is a good stretch for one who has been 

 cooped up on board ship for so long as I have. 



Homeward Bodnd. — I hardly know whether it 

 gives me pleasure or not to write the above words. 

 I am certainly delighted at the idea of going home, 

 but wish I could have done and seen more before 

 returning. 



At five o'clock this afternoon the captain came 

 into my cabin, asking if I could spare him a few 

 minutes' conversation, during which he told me 

 that he hardly liked risking the ship any longer 

 amongst ice, as she was very deep in the water, and 

 would, consequently, strike very heavy ; that he 

 had on board the best cargo that had ever left this 

 part of the world, and that he had only a few small 

 tanks to fill, every other, even the bread and water 

 tanks between decks, being full ; and that he had 

 almost made up his mind to go home. Of course I 



