358 THE END OF THE WINTER 



as we were at home; but this example shows how we 

 had learnt to appreciate them. 



I recommend them most warmly to men who are 

 undertaking similar expeditions. But I must add- 

 they must give themselves the trouble of taking off 

 their foot-gear every evening, and brushing the rime off 

 their stockings; if one does not do this, of course, the 

 rime will thaw in the course of the night, and every- 

 thing will be soaking wet in the morning. In that case 

 you must not blame the stockings, but yourself. 



After this it was the turn of the underclothing ; 

 there was nothing in the tailoring and outfitting depart- 

 ment that Wisting could not manage. Among our 

 medical stores we had two large rolls of the most 

 beautiful fine light flannel, and of this he made under- 

 clothing for all of us. What we had brought out from 

 home was made of extremely thick woollen material, 

 and we were afraid this would be too warm. Personally, 

 I wore Wisting's make the whole trip, and have never 

 known anything so perfect. Then he had covers for 

 the sleeping-bags to sew and patch, and one thing and 

 another. Some people give one the impression of being 

 able to make anything, and to get it done in no time 

 others not. 



Hanssen had his days well occupied, industrious and 

 handy as he was. He was an expert at anything 

 relating to sledges, and knew exactly what had to be 

 done. Whatever he had a hand in, I could feel sure 



