| Description | Written from 21 Eccleston Square, S.W.
As the reports and collections are now coming home from the 'Discovery' it is desirable that there should be agreement between the two Societies with regard to their disposal. Markham thinks there will be no question about (I) Magnetic Observations and Report on Soundings to the Hydrographer: also determination of specific gravity of sea water (II) Meteorological Observations to the Meteorological Office (III) Atmospheric carbonic anhydride determinations to Professor Letts
Then there are reports on plankton by Hodgson, on phyto plankton by Koettlitz, on zoology by Ferrer and Wilson. With the reports are coming four cases of plankton specimens, geological specimens etc and 5 cases of bird skins. These will naturally be entrusted to Murray, in accordance with the minute appointing him.
Markham tells Kempe what Scott now thinks of Murray; and he has received an even stronger expression of his views. Iit appears that Murray's methods mde him unpopular with the Scientific staff who do not like their collections being in his hands. He is not an organizer, and it is thought that he will make a mess of anything he takes charge of. This is very unfortunate but Markham does not see what can be done now. Perhaps when the expedition returns, if Scott and the Staff are as strong, in their views, as they are now, the question may be reconsidered . Asks if the officers of the Royal Society will express their views aout the Reports and Collections.
Postscript; Murray has not yet answered the Finance Committees letter |