eir vitality that a
number died from seizures, not properly understood at the time. In each
case death was sudden, and preceded by similar symptoms. An apparently
healthy dog would drop down in a fit, dying in a few minutes, or
during another fit within a few days. Epidemics, accompanied by similar
symptoms, are said to be common amongst these dogs in the Arctic
regions, but no explanation is given as to the nature of the disease.
During a later stage of the Expedition, when nearing Antarctica, several
more of the dogs were similarly stricken. These were examined by Drs.
McLean and Jones, and the results of post-mortems showed that in one
case death was due to gangrenous appendicitis, in two others to acute
gastritis and colitis.

The dog first affected caused some consternation amongst the crew, for,
after being prostrated on the deck by a fit, it rose and rushed about
snapping to right and left. The cry of "mad dog" was raised. Not
many seconds had elapsed before all the deck hands were safely in the
rigging, displaying more than ordinary agility in the act. At short
intervals, other men, roused from watch below appeared at the fo'c'sle
companion-way. To these the situation at first appeared comic, and
called forth jeers upon their faint-hearted shipmates. The next moment,
on the dog dashing into view, they found a common cause with their
fellows and sprang aloft. Ere many minutes had elapsed the entire crew
were in the rigging, much to the amusement of the officers. By this time
the dog had disappeared beneath the fo'c'sle head, and Mertz and Ninnis
entered, intending to dispatch it. A shot was fired and word passed that
the deed was done: thereupon the crew descended, pressing forward to
share in the laurels. Then it was that Ninnis, in the uncertain light,
spying a dog of similar markings wedged in between some barrels, was
filled with doubt and called out to Mertz that he had shot the wrong
dog. In a flash the crew had once more climbed to safety. It was some
time after the confirmation of the first execution that they could be
prevailed upon to descend.

Several litters of puppies were born on the voyage, but all except one
succumbed to the hardships of the passage.

The voyage from Cardiff to Hobart occupied eighty-eight days.

The date of departure south was fixed for 4 P.M. of Saturday, December
2, and a truly appalling amount of work had to be done before then.

Most of the staff had been preparing thems