acket of one hundred and twenty tons,
trading between Melbourne and Tasmanian ports, was chartered. It was
arranged that this auxiliary should leave Hobart several days after the
'Aurora', so as to allow us time, before her arrival, to inspect the
island, and to select a suitable spot for the location of the base. As
she was well provided with passenger accommodation, it was arranged that
the majority of the land party should journey by her as far as Macquarie
Island.

The Governor of Tasmania, Sir Harry Barron, the Premier, Sir Elliot
Lewis, and the citizens of Hobart extended to us the greatest
hospitality during our stay, and, when the time came, gave us a hearty
send-off.

Saturday, December 2 arrived, and final preparations were made. All the
staff were united for the space of an hour at luncheon. Then began the
final leave-taking. "God speed" messages were received from far and
wide, and intercessory services were held in the Cathedrals of Sydney
and Hobart.

We were greatly honoured at this time by the reception of kind wishes
from Queen Alexandra and, at an earlier date, from his Majesty the King.

Proud of such universal sympathy and interest, we felt stimulated to
greater exertions.

On arrival on board, I found Mr. Martelli, who was to pilot us down the
river, already on the bridge. A vast crowd blockaded the wharf to give
us a parting cheer.

At 4 P.M. sharp, the telegraph was rung for the engines, and, with a
final expression of good wishes from the Governor and Lady Barron, we
glided out into the channel, where our supply of dynamite and cartridges
was taken on board. Captain G. S. Nares, whose kindness we had
previously known, had the H.M.S. 'Fantome' dressed in our honour, and
lusty cheering reached us from across the water.

As we proceeded down the river to the Quarantine Station where the dogs
were to be taken off, Hobart looked its best, with the glancing sails of
pleasure craft skimming near the foreshores, and backed by the stately,
sombre mass of Mount Wellington. The "land of strawberries and cream",
as the younger members of the Expedition had come to regard it, was for
ever to live pleasantly in our memories, to be recalled a thousand times
during the adventurous months which followed. Mr. E. Joyce, whose name
is familiar in connexion with previous Antarctic expeditions, and who
had travelled out from London on business of the Expedition, was waiting
in mid-stream with thirty-eight dog