some of them yield nearly two thousand pounds,
though I should estimate the average yield at about one thousand one
hundred pounds. The sealers in the early days used to obtain the oil
by cutting the blubber up into very small pieces and melting it down
in "try " pots. These pots, many of which may be still seen about the
island, were made of very thick iron and the fuel used was the refuse
taken from the pot itself. In the present method steam digestors are
used, and the oil from the melted blubber is drawn off, after steam
has been passing for twelve hours. Coal is brought down by the
sealing-vessel to be used as fuel. The "elephant season" lasts only
about three months, and within about four weeks of its conclusion, the
"penguin season" begins; the same gang of men being employed as a rule.
The most difficult operation in connexion with both of these industries
is undoubtedly the loading and unloading of the vessel. If auxiliary
power were used, the ship could then steam to within half a mile of the
shore, but as it is, a sailing-vessel has to anchor about two miles off
and the oil is towed in rafts over that distance.

We heard sounds from Adelie Land wireless station for the first time
on September 25, 1912, but the signals were very faint and all that we
could receive was: "Please inform Pennant Hills." Sawyer called them
repeatedly for several hours, but heard no acknowledgment. Every effort
was made to get in touch with them from this time forward, Sawyer
remaining at the instrument until daylight every morning.

The Royal penguins returned to the island on the 27th and immediately
commenced to make their way to the rookeries. They had been absent since
April and were very fat after their long migration.

On the 28th Blake and Hamilton started out in the dinghy for Lusitania
Bay. They had already made a step and sprit, and, with a calico sail
hoisted, the frail craft ran before a light breeze. Having a fair wind
they made good headway along the coast, dropping in at a gentoo penguin
rookery en route, and collecting about two hundred and twenty eggs. Mac
was a passenger and was a very sick dog all the trip.

Shortly after their departure, the 'Rachel Cohen', which had been blown
away on the 18th, reappeared and again anchored. The captain reported
having seen numerous icebergs, some of which were very large, about
thirty miles to the eastward of the island. The sealers immediately
commenced to get away the res