460 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION 
{d) Weekly absolute determinations of the magnetic 
elements. 
{e) Hourly observations of the aurora during the 
whole period when it was dark enough to observe. 
(/) A close study of the optics of the atmosphere. 
{g) Accurate determination of the value of gravity by 
means of pendulums. 
{h) A very thorough study of ice, as it occurs both 
in the air and on the ground. 
In addition to the above a valuable set of meteoro- 
logical observations was made at Cape Adare. 
It is impossible to discuss here, even briefly, the 
results obtained, but it is quite clear that many of them 
are new and unexpected. Enough data have been col- 
lected to require many years for their adequate discussion 
by specialists. A few numerical results obtained during the 
first year are given in the table at the end of this article. 
Throughout this book there have been constant re- 
ferences to temperature and wind — two meteorological 
factors which have been of vital importance to the members 
of the Expedition. It appears therefore that it would 
not be out of place to examine here these two factors 
from the scientific point of view to see what justification 
there was for the verdict passed on them from purely 
physiological experiences. 
Temperature 
The mean temperature at Cape Evans during the first 
year of our stay was - 0*4° F., which compares with - 1*3° F. 
found for the two years that the Discovery was in the 
