re to be
erected; the first for "absolute" determinations, the second for housing
the recording instruments--the magnetographs. Distant sites, away from
the magnetic disturbances of the Hut, were chosen. Webb and Stillwell
immediately set to work as soon as they could be spared from the
main building. For the "absolute hut" there were only scrap materials
available; the "magnetograph house," alone, had been brought complete.
They had a chilly job, for as the days went by the weather steadily
became worse. Yet in a little over a week there were only the finishing
touches to make, and the first observations were started.

It was now necessary to institute a routine of nightwatchmen, cooks and
messmen. The night-watchman's duties included periodic meteorological
observations, attention to the fire in the range, and other
miscellaneous duties arising between the hours of 8 P.M. and 8 A. M.
The cook prepared the meals, and the messman of the day rendered any
assistance necessary. A rotation was adopted, so arranged that those
most actively engaged in scientific observations were least saddled with
domestic duties. Thus each contributed his equivalent share of work.

Whilst others were occupied finishing off the interior of the
hut, Whetter and Close sledged the cases of stores across from the
landing-stage, classified them and stacked them against the veranda
walls. An additional barricade was constructed of flour cases, in the
form of a wall, which increased the breadth of the rocky break-wind on
the southern side.

Murphy, who was in charge of all the stores, saw that a good stock of
food was accessible in the veranda. Here he put up shelves and unpacked
cases, so that samples of everything were at hand on the shortest
notice. Liquids liable to freeze and burst their bottles were taken into
the Hut.

[TEXT ILLUSTRATION]

The vicinity of the main base, Adelie Land

Already we had several times seized the opportunity of a calm hour to
take out the whale-boat and assist Hunter to set traps and make a few
hauls with the hand-dredge. Even in five fathoms, bright red and brown
star-fish had been caught in the trap, as well as numerous specimens of
a common Antarctic fish known as 'Notothenia'. In ten fathoms and over
the results were better, though in no case was the catch so abundant
as one would expect from the amount of life in the water. The luxuriant
kelp probably interfered with the proper working of the traps. Fi