the meagre mosses and lichens, and
the forms of insect life which live among them can exist, because they
have developed the capacity of suspending animation during the winter.
The fresh-water lakelets were found to be inhabited by low forms of
life, mainly microscopic. Among these were diatoms, algae, protozoa,
rotifera, and bacteria.

The last-named were investigated by McLean and were found to be manifold
in distribution. Besides those from the intestines of animals and birds,
cultures were successfully made from the following natural sources:
lichen soil, moss soil, morainic mud, guano, ice and snow. The results
may open some new problems in bacteriology.

Of recent years much attention has been given to the study of
parasites--parasitology. Parasites may be external, on the skin;
internal, in the alimentary canal; or resident, in the corpuscles of the
blood. In tropical countries, where there is great promiscuity of life,
one is led to expect their almost universal presence. But in polar
regions, where infection and intimate co-habitation for long periods are
not the rule, while the climate is not favourable to organic existence,
one would be surprised to find them in any great number. The fact
remains that internal parasites were found in the intestine of every
animal and fish examined, and in all the birds except the Wilson petrel.
External parasites were present on every species of bird and seal,
though individuals were often free of them. This was so in the case of
the Adelie penguins. It is a demonstration of the protective warmth of
the feathers that Emperor penguins may harbour insect parasites in great
numbers. It is only less wonderful than the fact that they are able
to rear their young during the Antarctic winter. A large number
of blood-slides were prepared and stained for examination for
blood-parasites.

Searching for "fleas" amongst the feathers of birds and the hair
of seals, or examining the viscera for "worms" is neither of them a
pleasant occupation. To be really successful, the enthusiasm of the
specialist is necessary. Hunter allowed no opportunities to pass and
secured a fine collection of parasites.

Amongst other work, McLean carried out monthly observations on six men,
determining the colour-index and haemoglobin value of their blood over
a period of ten months. The results showed a distinct and upward rise
above the normal.

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