142 
NATURE 
([ApRic 11, 1992 
tions which were being made, apparently by Dr. 
Simpson, at McMurdo Sound. It is, indeed, 
probable that the systematic meteorological, mag- 
netic, and physical work may yield the most im- 
portant results of the expedition; for records 
were made at two stations, and the weather con- 
ditions appear to have been very different from 
those of the previous seasons during which ex- 
peditions have wintered beside the Ross Sea. 
The biological collections should also prove very 
valuable. The material obtained by the seven 
hauls of the deep-sea trawl will probably contain 
many new species and interesting additions to 
the Antarctic fauna. The line of soundings made 
by the Terra Nova to the south of New Zealand 
is also an important contribution to the ocean 
contours of that area. 
Apart from the oceanographic work, perhaps 
the most interesting geographicai information in 
the despatches is that dealing with the 
meteorology. Unlike the calms and fine weather 
experienced by Amundsen in his more easterly 
route, Captain Scott was harassed by a succession 
of southern gales similar to those met by Shackle- 
ton, although the weather on the plateau appears 
to have been milder. It has been suggested that 
the low temperature of these southern winds indi- 
cated their anticyclonic origin, but as Captain 
Scott reports for one of them a temperature of 
only 35°, they do not support the existence of 
the hypothetical south polar anticyclone. The 
Discovery expedition reported a very slight snow- 
fall in the area around the Ross Sea, and the 
recent diminution of the glaciers was thus ex- 
plained. The evidence collected by that expedi- 
tion was recognised at the time as inconsistent 
with that conclusion, and the heavy snowfalls now 
reported show that there is no difficulty in ex- 
plaining the formation of the barrier ice by the 
accumulation of snow. 
The reports show that the expedition has made 
most important contributions to Antarctic know- 
ledge. Subjoined is a summary of the scientific 
results published by the Central News (Ltd.) 
Agency. 
Summary of Scientific Results. 
The general plan arranged for the scientific worl 
of the expedition has been carried out so far almost 
in its entirety. The self-registering meteorological 
instruments have given a continuous record of pres- 
sure and temperature and of wind velocity and direc- 
tion. These have been checked by the eye every four 
hours. The upper atmosphere has been investigated 
by means of small balloons, which have shown the 
direction of the upper currents of the air to a height 
of six miles and have recorded temperatures to a 
height of five miles. Absolute magnetic observations 
have been made every week. Self-registering mag- 
netic instruments were installed in a room excavated 
in the side of a small glacier, this eliminating the 
changes of temperature which are a serious cause of 
error in this class of work. All through the winter 
the aurora was observed every hour, but very few 
brilliant displays occurred. Atmospheric electricity 
has also been studied, and ice work and physiography 
have afforded much fieldwork. 
NO. 2215, VOL. 89] 
Vexed problems regarding the origin of Alpine 
topography when Europe and other temperate regions. 
were undergoing an ice age are being studied in the 
examples offered by the retreating glaciers of Victoria 
Land, where the ice age still obtains. The mainland 
offers a rich field*for petrology, with an abundance of 
mineral-bearing quartz veins, but none of any 
economic value. ' 
Specimens of coal of economic value and well-pre- 
served fossils have been found near Granite Harbour. 
An excellent field exists at winter quarters for ice 
work in miles of glacier, while in front of the hut 
stands a cape formed largely of massive moraine with 
lava flows from Erebus. Pendulum observations for 
the value of gravity have been carried out; a tide 
gauge has given a continuous record, and marine 
biological work has been done throughout the winter 
at a hole kept open in the sea ice for nets, water 
samples, and sea temperatures. ( 
The quantitative and qualitative observations of 
minute organisms at various seasons are giving in- 
teresting results. The parisitology of all seals, pen- 
guins, and others birds and fish available has already 
given good results. Some new protozoa have been 
found. 
The above has fully occupied the time of the scien- 
tific staff and indicates that there is an ample field 
for further research in every direction. 
Successful biological work has been carried out on 
board the ship. With seven trawls a large collection 
of the deep-sea fauna of the Antarctic has been 
obtained. A number of catches with the tow net have 
been secured which show a vertical distribution in the 
transparent floating organisms of the sea. Con- 
tinuous meteorological observations have been taken 
in the ship, linking up Australasia with Antarctica. 
Natural history research has been greatly assisted 
by the use of the kinematograph. Many thousands 
of feet of film have been used in securing permanent 
animated records of the interesting bird and animal 
life of these regions, and every phase of seal, penguin, 
and skua-gull life has been thus illustrated. Some 
remarkable kinematograph films have been secured 
showing for the first time the ‘‘ Killer’? whale, the 
wolf of the seas, in its native element. 
NOTES. 
WE notice with regret the announcement of the 
death on March 8, in his seventy-fifth year, of Dr. 
Edward Divers, F.R.S., the distinguished chemist, 
and Emeritus professor of chemistry in the Imperial 
University, Japan. 
At a meeting of the committee of the Lawes Agri- 
cultural Trust held on March 30, Mr. A. D. Hall, 
F.R.S., director of the Rothamsted Experimental 
Station, tendered his resignation. Mr. Hall’s resigna- 
tion takes effect in September, after which he will 
give his whole time to the work of the Development 
Commission. The committee of the Lawes Agricul- 
tural Trust will proceed to the election of a new 
director in June. 
Tue Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, New 
Zealand, which came into existence on August 30, 
1862, will celebrate its jubilee this year. It is pro- 
posed to mark the occasion by holding a gathering in 
Christchurch. 
Tue council of the New Zealand Institute, at its 
annual meeting, held in Christchurch at the end of 
