342 THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' [Sept. 



suppose a party of three men starting on a journey dependent 

 on their own labours, and we can suppose the same party 

 starting with the assistance of twelve dogs which they intend 

 should feed on one another. In the latter case, although the 

 party start with heavier weights than in the former, the dogs 

 not only draw this heavier load but carry their own food on 

 their own legs. It is obvious, therefore, that the dog-assisted 

 party will have the radius of the simple man party plus the 

 distance added by the dogs' energy. This is not quoted as 

 a practical case, but merely to show the clear gain which the 

 dog offers. 



This method of using dogs is one which can only be 

 adopted with reluctance. One cannot calmly contemplate 

 the murder of animals which possess such intelligence and 

 individuality, which have frequently such endearing qualities, 

 and which very possibly one has learnt to regard as friends and 

 companions. On the other hand, it may be pointed out with 

 good reason that to forego the great objects which may be 

 achieved by the sacrifice of dog-life is carrying sentiment to 

 undue length. It is a case, if ever there was one, where the 

 end justifies the means. There is no real reason why the life 

 of a dog should be considered more than that of a sheep, and 

 no one would pause to consider the cruelty of driving a 

 diminishing flock of sheep to supply the wants and aid the 

 movements of travellers in more temperate climates. 



If one comes to look into this matter, one sees that the 

 real cruelty to a dog lies in over-working or under-feeding it, 

 and it is in avoiding this as far as possible that the sledge- 

 traveller most truly shows his humanity. The avoidance of 

 unnecessary pain should be the aim, and suddenly and pain- 

 lessly to end the life of an animal which has been well fed and 

 well cared for is not cruelty. Unfortunately, it is not always 

 possible to avoid pain, and it was this fact more than the 

 actual killing that weighed heavily on us when, as I shall 

 relate, we had gradually and completely to efface the patient 

 companions of our southern sledge journey. 



My plan for utilising our dog-team was compounded of the 



