Leaving Dunedin at 06.00 on January 2 the voyage to the southward was mainly favoured by good weather. This assisted the preparations for those possible emergencies which had to be provided for. Sledges were overhauled and rebound, sledge harnesses were made and rations weighed and packed. The oil fuel which was stowed in drums was gradually pumped below. On an average about 30 drums per day were emptied. The airmen too were constantly busy with their own preparations.

By mutual agreement of the two countries British and Norwegian pelagic whaling in the Antarctic (with which for whaling purposes South Georgian waters are included) during the season 1935–36 was limited to the period December 1, 1935, to March 15, 1936. The only factory ship not limited in her operations by this restriction was the Japanese Tonan Maru, ex Antarctic, then operating under her new flag for the second time. The pelagic season was thus limited to 106 days. In actual fact many ships ceased working before March 15; two factories had reached Norway before the end of March, and nine by the middle of April. It is hoped that the curtailment of season, and in particular the later start ensured, will have afforded useful protection to the stock, particularly that of the most valuable species, the Blue whale, which is at present the most menaced by intensive whaling.

On the Byrd Antarctic Expedition II a third mode of transportation was added to the existing means of dogs and aircraft—the use of tractors. Previous attempts had been made to use motor transport, first on Shackleton's Expedition in 1908, Scott's in 1910, and on the Byrd Antarctic Expedition in 1928–30. Shackleton had taken a regular motor car, which was of use on the hard bay ice, for handling supplies, but it proved inadequate for the softer surface of the barrier. Scott used special tractors, but they were not a success.

The Polar Record, No. 11.

P. 19. Delete “Dr A. Ballantine, medical officer”.

P. 26. For Dr Robert Gessen read Dr Robert Gessain.