After much consideration I selected eleven men for the shore-party, only three of whom--Adams, Wild and Joyce--had been known to me previously, while only Wild and Joyce, having been members of the _Discovery_ expedition, had previous experience of polar work. Every man, however, was highly recommended, and this was also the case with the officers whom I chose for the _Nimrod_. Before leaving New Zealand I was able to increase the number of the expedition, which ultimately consisted of: THE SHORE-PARTY Ernest H. Shackleton, Commander. Professor T. W. Edgeworth David, F.R.S., Director of the scientific staff. Lieutenant J. B. Adams, R.N.R., Meteorologist. Sir Philip Brocklehurst, Bart., Assistant geologist. Bernard Day, Motor expert. Ernest Joyce, in charge of dogs, sledges, &c. Dr. A. F. Mackay, Surgeon. Douglas Mawson, D.Sc., B.E., Physicist. Bertram Armytage, in charge of ponies. Dr. E. Marshall, Surgeon, cartographer. G. E. Marston, Artist. J. Murray, Biologist. Raymond Priestley, Geologist. W. Roberts, Cook. F. Wild, in charge of provisions. THE SHIP'S STAFF Lieutenant R. G. England, R.N.R., Captain. John K. Davis, Chief officer, later captain. A. L. A. Mackintosh, Second officer. A. E. Harbord, Auxiliary second officer. H. J. L. Dunlop, Chief engineer. W. A. R. Michell, Surgeon. Alfred Cheetham, Third officer and boatswain. W. D. Ansell, Steward. J. Montague, Cook. E. Ellis } H. Bull } S. Riches } A.B.'s. J. Paton } W. Williams } G. Bilsby, Carpenter. [Lieutenant F. P. Evans, R.N.R., was appointed captain for the second voyage to the Antarctic.] The work of preparation progressed rapidly, and on July 30, 1907, the _Nimrod_ sailed from the East India Docks on the first stage of the long journey to New Zealand. On the following day Mr. Reid received a telegram from the King's equerry, commanding the Nimrod to visit Cowes in order that the King and Queen might inspect the ship on August 4, and consequently we proceeded to the Solent, where we anchored. [Illustration: The Towing Steamer "Koonya" as seen from the "Nimrod" in a heavy sea. This particular wave came aboard the "Nimrod" and did considerable damage. (_See page 31_)] ROYAL VISIT TO THE NIMROD Their Majesties King Edward and Queen Alexandra, their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Princess Victoria, Prince Edward and the Duke of Connaught, came on board and inspected the ship, an honour which was greatly appreciated by the members of the expedition. Her Majesty graciously entrusted me with a Union Jack to be carried on the southern journey, and His Majesty graciously conferred on me the Victorian Order. * * * * *