THE FRIENDLY ARCTIC 449 



go from the Bear to Melville Island, making a depot for us in 

 Liddon Gulf. After starting Storkerson off from Cape Alfred on 

 the journey that would take our best men, dogs, and sledges, I 

 would use only what equipment was left, confident that the al- 

 ready known richness of game in Melville Island and on our new 

 land would make it possible for me to do extensive spring and 

 summer work with no matter how poor an outfit. When one is 

 committed to the method of living off the country a journey of any 

 length can be undertaken, and poorness of equipment will merely 

 make the work a little less pleasant and slower of progress. Apart 

 from serious illness of the men, death of many dogs, or absolute 

 breakdown of every sled, some progress can always be made if one 

 looks to the territory ahead to provide sustenance. 



In pursuance of these plans Thomsen, Knight and Noice started 

 January 6th for the Bear, and two days later Wilkins, Castel and 

 Martin Kilian left for the Star and Cape Alfred to prepare for 

 Storkerson's arrival. I remained behind to finish my reports, since 

 there appeared to be nothing pressing to do at Cape Alfred. 



