362 THE ANTARCTIC MANUAL. 
the ports, in order to secure the interior of the vessels as much as possible 
from the cold and wet, which were to be apprehended in the region to 
which we were bound. For this purpose, after calking all the openings, 
the seams were covered with tarred canvas, over which strips of sheet- 
lead were nailed. The sailors exhibited great interest in these prepara- 
tions, and studiously sought to make everything snug ; all useless articles 
were stowed away in the hold, for we were in truth full to overflowing, 
and places at other times sacred were now crowded. 
It was fortunate that the weather for the first few days was so 
favourable ; for so full was every place that we had been compelled to’ 
stow bread in the launch and cutter, and this in bulk; or the quantity 
was so much beyond that which had been carried on any former occa- 
sion that a sufficient number of bags were not to be had, and in the 
hurry of its reception on board, time had not been found to provide 
them. Every ounce of bread thus exposed was looked to with solicitude, 
for there was a chance that all of it might be needed. 
Among other preparations, rough casings of boards were built around 
all the hatches, having doors furnished with weights and pulleys, in 
order to insure that they should not be left open. Having thus provided 
for the exclusion of cold air, I contented myself with preparations for 
keeping the interior of the vessel at a temperature no higher than 50°. 
I deemed this preferable to a higher temperature, in order to prevent 
the injurious effects which might be produced by passing suddenly from 
below to the deck. I conceived it far more important to keep the air 
dry than warm, particularly as a lower temperature would have the 
effect of inducing the men to take exercise for the purpose of exciting 
their animal heat. 
Aware that warm and dry clothing was an object of the first im 
portance, inspections of the men’s feet and dress were held morning and 
evening, in which the wearing of a suitable number of garments was 
insisted upon, as well as the greatest personal cleanliness. With the 
same views the drying stoves were particularly attended to; and that 
every part under deck might be effectually and quickly freed of moisture, 
additional stoves had been procured at Sydney. Thermometers were 
hung up in proper places and frequently consulted, in order by following 
their indications to secure an equable temperature, and at the time to 
ascertain when the use of stoves might be dispensed with, in whole or 
in part. The latter was an important consideration, for we were under 
the necessity of husbanding our stock of fuel by expending it only when 
absolutely necessary. 
We also took advantage of the fine weather to bend all our best sails 
and to shift our topgallant masts. 
The 1st January was one of those days which are termed, both at 
sca and on shore, a weather-breeder. The sea was smooth and placid, 
but the sky was in places lowering and had a wintry cast, to which 
