FROM EDINBURGH TO THE ANTARCTIC 
143 
such wild skies. We have much the same effects in the 
north, without the long seas ; but as ninety per cent, of 
people are indoors or under umbrellas at the time, they 
do not understand pictures of such effects, they prefer 
Nature in her pretty moods. 
There is still a heavy cross sea running, but without 
much wind. Last night we brought down the royal yards. 
They will not be needed for some time to come, for we have 
left the region of light winds. 
Weddell, in his voyage to the Antarctic in 1823, de- 
scribes many of his crew being laid up with colds from 
the constant wetting by rain and sea-water, and here we 
are in 1892 in the same neighbourhood, having just the 
same experience. 
Sunday. — Last night we spent lying-to, under close- 
reefed main-top-sail and stay-sail, with a strong gale from 
the south, with furious hail-showers, and an enormous sea 
running. Sleep there was for none of us. Men thought 
of their souls' welfare, or dreamt of the curtained room 
at home, and the easy-chair by the fireside, each thought 
of what he valued most and would lose, if one of those 
seas boarded us. I thought of my sketches, and how 
they would spoil so easily, Bruce of his notes and instru- 
ments, and Jack in the focsle thought of his new sea- 
boots, his two months' pay, and the store of baccy he has 
won at whist. Each has a stake he would be loth to 
lose, even though we are tired to death with this endless 
tossing. 
Thanks to the strength of the Balsena, and the skill of 
