I902] FOOT-GEAR 245 



and pliable. Already we see that our stock varies greatly in 

 quality, and that for our sledge journeys we shall have to make 

 a most careful selection ; but by wearing them now we are 

 gaining experience of what constitutes a good boot, which is 

 not at all the sort of fact that can be discovered at the first 

 glance. Some officers and men have already resoled their 

 " finneskoes," as these fur boots are called, with sealskin, but 

 it is doubtful if there is much wear in the latter, though it is 

 thick and hard ; however, it is interesting to try the purposes 

 to which the natural productions of our desolate region can be 

 put, and it is to be hoped that our sealskin will be available 

 for something more useful than the leggings, tobacco pouches, 

 and knife sheaths which have so far been made from it.' 



I may add that we never found this sealskin of much use : 

 it was far too weak and brittle. Though possibly we were not 

 very expert in preparing it, it may be added that similar skins 

 landed in Dundee some years ago were found to be practically 

 valueless for the purposes for which the skin of the Northern 

 hair-seal is employed. I do not know the reason for this fact, 

 but it is evident that it should go far to ensure a peaceful exist- 

 ence to the Southern seal. 



' Everyone is provided with a complete suit of wind cover- 

 ing for outdoor wear, and a second suit is held in readiness for 

 sledging. This is made of a thin waterproof gaberdine material 

 suppHed by Messrs. Burberry, and will doubtless be excellent 

 for our sledging, but for constant winter wear it is not adequate, 

 and already we have strong regrets that we do not also possess 

 suits of a thicker, tougher material. A light canvas would be 

 just the thing for this rough winter wear, though it might 

 become too stiff and icy on a sledge journey. It would have 

 been better also and cheaper had we brought the material 

 only, instead of the made-up garments, for our wind clothing ; 

 both officers and men can ply a needle more or less handily, 

 and although everyone conforms to the same general cut of 

 trousers and blouse, each has his own ideas in matters of 

 detail, concerning the collars and cuffs, &c. It is doubtful if 

 the original making of garments would have taken much more 



