I9I0] CAPE CROZIER AS STATION 13 



it is still above normal. This afternoon it is overcast with a 

 Scotch mist. Another day ought to put us beyond the reach of 

 westerly gales. 



We still continue to discuss the project of landing at Cape 

 Crozier, and the prospect grows more fascinating as we realise 

 it. For Instance, we ought from such a base to get an excellent 

 idea of the Barrier movement, and of the relative movement 

 amongst the pressure ridges. There is no doubt it would be a 

 tremendous stroke of luck to get safely landed there with all our 

 paraphernalia. 



Everyone is very cheerful — one hears laughter and song all 

 day — it's delightful to be with such a merry crew. A week from 

 New Zealand to-day, 



Wednesday, December 7. — Lat. 61° 22'. Long. 179° 56' W. 

 Made good S. 25 E. 150; Ant. Circle 313'. The barometer 

 descended on a steep regular gradient all night, turning suddenly 

 to an equally steep up grade this morning. With the turn a smart 

 breeze sprang up from the S.W. and forced us three points off 

 our course. The sea has remained calm, seeming to show that 

 the ice is not far off; this afternoon temperature of air and water 

 both 34°, supporting the assumption. The wind has come fair 

 and we are on our course again, going between 7 and 8 knots. 



Quantities of whale birds about the ship, the first fulmars and 

 the first McCormick skua seen. Last night saw ' hour glass ' 

 dolphins about. Sooty and black-browed albatrosses continue, 

 with Cape chickens. The cold makes people hungry and one 

 gets just a tremor on seeing the marvellous disappearance of con- 

 sumables when our twenty-four young appetites have to be 

 appeased. 



Last night I discussed the Western Geological Party, and 

 explained to Ponting the desirability of his going with it. I had 

 thought he ought to be in charge, as the oldest and most experi- 

 enced traveller, and mentioned it to him — then to Griffith Taylor. 

 The latter was evidently deeply disappointed. So we three talked 

 the matter out between us, and Ponting at once disclaimed any 

 right, and announced cheerful agreement with Taylor's leader- 

 ship; It was a satisfactory arrangement, and shows Ponting In 

 a very pleasant light. I'm sure he's a very nice fellow. 



I would record here a symptom of the spirit which actuates 

 the men. After the gale the main deck under the forecastle space 



