i9ii] PENGUINS' FATUOUS CONDUCT 93 
are not daunted in the least, but their ruffs go up and they 
squawk with semblance of anger, for all the world as though 
they were rebuking a rude stranger — their attitude might 
be imagined to convey ' Oh, that's the sort of animal 
you are ; well, you've come to the wrong place — we aren't 
going to be bluffed and bounced by you,' and then the 
final fatal steps forward are taken and they come within 
reach. There is a spring, a squawk, a horrid red patch 
on the snow, and the incident is closed. Nothing can 
stop these silly birds. Members of our party rush to 
head them off, only to be met with evasions — the penguins 
squawk and duck as much as to say, * What's it got to do 
with you, you silly ass ? Let us alone.' 
With the first spilling of blood the skua gulls assemble, 
and soon, for them at least, there is a gruesome satisfaction 
to be reaped. Oddly enough, they don't seem to excite the 
dogs ; they simply alight within a few feet and wait for 
their turn in the drama, clamouring and quarrelling amongst 
themselves when the spoils accrue. Such incidents were 
happening constantly to-day, and seriously demoralising 
the dog teams. Meares was exasperated again and again. 
The motor sledges were running by the afternoon, 
Day managing one and Nelson the other. In spite of 
a few minor breakdowns they hauled good loads to the 
shore. It is early to call them a success, but they are 
certainly extremely promising. 
The next thing to be got out of the ship was the hut, 
and the large quantity of timber comprising it was got 
out this afternoon. 
And so to-night, with the sun still shining, we look 
