Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 1.djvu/496

318 and afterwards some discussion on an old point—the relation to the sea. Why are volcanoes close to sea? Debenham thinks not cause and effect, but two effects resulting from same cause.

Great argument as to whether effect of barometric changes on Erebus vapour can be observed. Not much was said about the theory of volcanoes, but Debenham touched on American theories—the melting out from internal magma.

There was nothing much to catch hold of throughout, but discussion of such a subject sorts one's ideas.

Saturday, June 17.—Northerly wind, temperature changeable, dropping to −16.°

Wind doubtful in the afternoon. Moon still obscured—it is very trying. Feeling dull in spirit to-day.

Sunday, June 18.—Another blizzard—the weather is distressing. It ought to settle down soon, but unfortunately the moon is passing.

Held the usual Morning Service. Hymns not quite successful to-day.

To-night Atkinson has taken the usual monthly measurement. I don't think there has been much change.

Monday, June 19.—A pleasant change to find the air calm and the sky clear—temperature down to −28°. At 1.30 the moon vanished behind the western mountains, after which, in spite of the clear sky, it was very dark on the floe. Went out on ski across the bay, then round about the cape, and so home, facing a keen northerly wind on return.

Atkinson is making a new fish-trap hole; from one