THE OFFICERS OF THE SHIP . 
39 
When about two-thirds of the distance between the 
Canary Islands and the West Indies, we had reached 
the Tropics, and were fairly in the region of the trade 
winds, of which we took advantage ; still we occa- 
sionally “ hove-to,” for the purpose of sounding and 
dredging ; on its conclusion again standing on our 
course, with a steady breeze. 
And now, while enjoying such pleasant weather, I 
take the opportunity of introducing my reader to the 
officers who had been appointed, and who were for 
the most part our companions through the various 
incidents of the cruise. 
The naval officers had been selected by the Ad- 
miralty, in most cases, for some special acquirement ; 
and the staff of civilian naturalists and physicists had 
been nominated by a specially appointed committee of 
the Royal Society. 
Captain George S. Nares, F.R.S. &c., was ap- 
pointed in command of the Expedition. His name 
is familiar to the public from his surveying services, 
his standard works on seamanship, and, recently 
from his having been in command of the late Arctic 
Expedition. From his previous scientific training, 
he was eminently fitted for the responsibilities im- 
posed upon him. His second was Commander J. 
F. L. P. Maclear, also well known in the scientific 
world, and who has seen much service in various parts 
of the world ; on him devolved the entire charge of the 
magnetic department. Lieutenants Pelham Aldrich, 
