THE RETURN TO COLD AND DARKNESS. 453 



cept the ship's side) for condensation. Should we get 

 a large enough snow-fall, heavy banking may make a 

 warm jacket for the ship outside. The galley-house, 

 being protected on its sides by two porches, will be 

 padded on its forward end with the felt used in the 

 deck-house last Avinter. The after end, being next the 

 galley, will not require any protection, I imagine, but 

 should it be found necessary will be supplied. 



And so we prepare for our second winter in the pack. 

 Our sleds are yet to be arranged, provisions piled on 

 deck ready for an emergency, our worthless clogs got 

 rid of to save dog food, and our wardrobe generally 

 overhauled and made ready. 



This item of dog food is a serious consideration. 

 Thus far we have got along well enough with the help 

 of a few walruses, seals, bears, etc. Fortunately our 

 dogs are not fastidious, and are willing to eat anything, 

 and failing that even, to go without. For the emer- 

 gency of travel, we have saved forty days' dried fish, 

 and of course cannot use this otherwise. To-day we 

 (men and dogs) have eaten our last piece of bear, and 

 we have only about half a dozen seals in the larder as 

 our stock of fresh meat. Bears have been scarce, and 

 but few seals are brought in ; not many are seen, and 

 of those shot, a large proportion still sink. However, 

 we have not been out of fresh meat as yet, and have 

 no reason to complain. 



The thing that gives me more concern and anxiety 

 in connection with our winter preparations is the readi- 

 ness for a sudden abandonment of the ship in case of 

 disaster. This is exceedingly difficult to arrange for. 

 To place sleds and boats, or sleds only, on the ice, and 

 pack them ready for use, involves the danger of losing 

 them should a sudden opening occur. If we keep the 



