FROM EDINBURGH TO THE ANTARCTIC 
28r 
there is so much seals' flesh being constantly thrown over 
the side. Only a few Cape pigeons fly round us, picking 
up the scraps. One or two terns have passed, and a 
white bird, slightly bigger than a sheathbill, with black 
speckles on its back, is gorging on the seals' cran as it is 
thrown overboard. Only naturalists can appreciate how 
intensely aggravating it is to have these strange birds so 
near and yet to be unable to identify them for want of a 
boat. We greatly regret not having brought a Berthon 
boat for such purpose. Dr. Donald thought of this at 
the Falklands, but the price of anything there that will 
float is prohibitive. A punt scarcely worth ,£3 on the 
Clyde was offered for ,£15. 
Sunday, Zth Jan. — Went sealing in the Spectioneer's 
boat yesterday. What a glorious day we spent away from 
the ship in the dazzling white sunlight. Our first care in 
the morning was to see that the biscuit-keg and the water- 
breaker were full. Each boat has a keg, filled with biscuits 
and a piece of cheese, only to be opened in case of emer- 
gencies. We pulled away from the ship about 8 A.M. 
Allan rowed bow and told tales, as he pulled, with pawky 
