1912] SECOND WINTER AT CAPE EVANS aNy 
realised that for the sake of everyone concerned the routine 
followed in the previous year must be continued in this as far 
as possible. It was a necessity for us to keep up our work and 
interests and exercise, so as to avoid slackness and depression 
and to keep fit and useful through the dark months. The North 
Bay had only frozen to within half a mile of the hut and had 
been continually freezing and blowing out. 
The seven mules, which had been given by the Indian Gov- 
ernment to Captain Scott to enable him to carry on further ex- 
ploration in the second year, were in excellent condition. Lashly 
had received certain instructions from Captain Oates when 
Evans’ party left them on the Plateau at 87° 37’.. He had been 
in entire charge of the mules and continued so throughout the 
winter. Their condition throughout was splendid and spoke vol- 
umes for the care with which he looked after them. These mules 
were suggested to Captain Scott by Captain Oates, and they justi- 
fied his hopes in every way. The mules had been exercised regu- 
larly whenever the weather permitted, and already the seven 
leaders had adopted their four-footed charges. The ship had 
also brought down fourteen new dogs. Three of these died soon 
after landing, and eventually only four of them proved to be of 
any use for sledging. A litter of pups had been added, but these 
died owing to their mother leaving them. 
Debenham had been doing the meteorological work and Nel- 
son, who was in charge, had carried out the magnetic observa- 
tions. Crean was in charge of the sledges and sledging gear and 
Williamson had charge of the sewing-machine, with Keohane to 
help Crean and Williamson. We early appreciated the efforts 
of a really good cook in Mr. Archer, who had been landed for 
this second year. Besides being a good cook he proved a good 
companion and was always lively and cheerful. Lieutenant Gran 
took charge of the stores and also of the four hourly meteoro- 
logical observations. He proved a most efficient stores officer 
and in his observations was continually trying to break previous 
records, which he was very often able to do in this exceptional 
season. Cherry-Garrard was again our editor for the South 
Polar Times and took over the care and preparation of all the 
ornithological and zoological specimens obtained. Hooper, the 
steward, took over the management of the acetylene plant, 
thereby relieving some one else of a very thankless task. 
