INTRODUCTION 
TO 
THE REPORT ON MAMMALS AND BIRDS. 
THE collection of Mammals and Birds which forms the basis of my Report was made 
on board the ‘ Discovery,’ and the ‘ Morning’ in the Southern Seas, between 1901 and 
1904. For the ‘Discovery’ collections I am responsible myself; the ‘ Morning’ 
collections were made by Dr. G. A. Davidson during two voyages of relief to us under 
Captain Colbeck in 1902 and 1903. 
It is not necessary for me to write at length upon the circumstances under which 
our voyage was made. Its history is to be found in detail in Captain Scott’s narrative 
(The Voyage of the ‘ Discovery,’ 2 vols., London, 1905). What we who were members 
of the Expedition owe to Sir Clements Markham, and what we owe to all who 
interested themselves, as he did, in our work and in our welfare, is there told in a way 
which leaves little for me to add. We agree with every word of it. 
But with regard to Captain Scott himself there is a point to be mentioned which 
finds no place in his book, namely, the untiring interest that he took in the scientific 
work of those who were placed under his command. Where opportunities must be 
made and taken at the right moment, it speaks well for the Commander if they are 
not often missed; and I can say, for my own part, that although a failure to seize 
opportunities sometimes happened, it was not once due to any lack of sympathy on his 
part. It is to the interest and goodwill that he showed in all our work that such 
results as we have been able to collect are very largely due. 
But, indeed, there was not one of the naval officers who did not constantly go 
out of his way to help us by observation, or by practical and often heavy and 
unpleasant labour ; and, if I mention Eng.-Lieut. Skelton as having given me personally 
the most useful help of all, first as a photographer, and then as a keen sportsman 
and collector, it does not mean that the others were less generous. 
I owe much to Mr. Hodgson, who, in my absence on various sledge journeys 
voluntarily made it his duty to carry on my work; and to Lieut. Royds, who took a 
very practical part in the collection of facts and observations, 
