THE ZOOLOGIST

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12970, 25 November 1907, Page 8

THE ZOOLOGIST

Mr A. F. Mackay, M.8., is attached to the expedition, as zoologist, and ho is a member of tho landing party. As zoologist, lio has a special interest in the birds and mammals of the Antarctic region. "There are several varieties'of mammals and birds of tho Far South that are not too well known, and havo not boon, properly worked out from n 7/x>logicail standpoint," he stated, in the course of an interview, "and wo shall endeavour to get specimens of scale and other denizens of that region to take back with us." He proceeded to say that his instructions were to collect specimens of everything he possibly could that had zoological interest. ''I think," ho said, "we shall bo able to get as me-ny as the ship will carry; the difficulty will be to get storage room for tllio specimens. Wo anticipate plenty of interesting developments in regard to zoology. Wo may find some now species, but I don't think it is likely. Some of the Antractic products are extremely valuable. For instance, Emperor Penguin eggs aro worth £80 each at Home, and the first ever seen there were brought by Captain Scott's expedition. Wo must not, however, nmke the mistake so often, made by inexperienced naturalists, of discriminating in our collection. Wo are out to get everything wo can sight that has any zoological interest. Our collection may be rich in Antractic birds and senls, but <as far as has yet been ascertained, there are no land mammals to •bo found, and I have no expectation that out search will reveal their presence." Mr Meckay will afco heve charge of thte iMamohurian ponies.