38 British Antarctic Expedition. 
back to the homes in the North. I gave personally 
some lectures, both on board and from time to time 
on shore. 
IN THE N.E. TRADES. 
The day before we reached Madeira, and before 
we sighted land, a small African pigeon settled first 
in the rigging and, later on, on the bulwark, some 
forty feet away from the bridge where Mr. Hanson 
and myself were standing. We had just been 
practising shooting at a target under difficulties, with 
the vessel moving in a high swell. Both because we 
desired to secure the pigeon as a specimen, and 
because of the sport, Mr. Hanson and I quickly 
decided that we should have every second shot as the 
chances came when the pigeon settled, with a smal 
pea-rifle at hand. When the pigeon settled on the 
bulwark I had my first chance ; quickly I took aim 
