Page:Polar Exploration - Bruce - 1911.djvu/177

Rh 32′ S., 12° 49′ W., which was believed by him to be "4,000 fathoms no bottom," but which was proved by the Scotia to be 2,660 fathoms, the Buchanan sounder bringing up "blue mud." Ross's error was due to the very primitive gear he had on board for so great a depth. Instead of working with a compact machine from the ship itself, and having the valuable assistance of steam, and instead of working with apparatus that has taken sixty years to bring to its present state of perfection, this old veteran and pioneer of deep-sea exploration did wonderful work with very rude apparatus and gave us much information about ocean depths in many parts of the world. Ross did all his sounding from boats lowered for the purpose, and his hemp line was laboriously hauled in by hand on large cumbersome drums by his crew. This example of patience and endurance deserves all praise, and it would be well if it were followed in these days. Ross's line evidently sagged, after the weights had touched the bottom—if they touched at all—the line being carried away by the strong currents that exist in that region, currents which prevented the Scotia trawl from reaching bottom on three occasions in spite of extra weights being attached and a large amount of extra cable being paid out.

A theory has been advanced by Dr. H. O.