NORTH POLE OF THE WINDS 



One of the storms experienced when in this 

 camp had a measured wind velocity of 85 miles 

 per hour. During such a storm on some expedi- 

 tions the men are accustomed to keep snug in 

 camp. Here our most important work comes at 

 just such times. The strong wind picks up the 

 snow and the air is thick with snow like pea-soup. 

 It was necessary to creep out of the tent on all 

 fours, and get all our fur clothes wet. This is 

 almost the worst that can happen, for in cold 

 weather to keep the clothes dry is a matter of life 

 and death. We slept in caribou sleeping bags, 

 and these were spread over caribou skins, which 

 in turn were laid on the dried grass base. Despite 

 the cold the dogs must sleep outside. The life of 

 an Eskimo dog is not easy. He is worked hard, 

 has scant rations, and must later be killed for 

 food. 



During the worst storm the tent threatened to 

 come down, and so it was necessary to dig up the 

 snow of the floor to make blocks to prop the tent 

 on the inward side against the roaring gale. 



One day we nearly perished when we ate pem- 

 mican that had gone bad. I woke up feeling very 

 tired. When I got outside the tent to make the 

 morning meteorological observations, everything 

 went black and I could hardly stand. I dragged 



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