I9IO] SLEDGING ON THE FLOES 25 



Mearcs got some of his dogs out and a sledge — two lots of 

 seven — those that looked in worst condition (and several are 

 getting very fat) were tried. They were very short of wind 

 — it is difficult to understand how they can get so fat, as they 

 only get two and a half biscuits a day at the most. The ponies 

 are looking very well on the whole, especially those in the out- 

 side stalls. 



Rennick got a sounding to-day 1844 fathoms; reversible 

 thermometers were placed close to bottom and 500 fathoms 

 up. We shall get a very good series of temperatures from the 

 bottom up during the wait. Nelson will try to get some more 

 current observations to-night or to-morrow\ 



It is very trying to find oneself continually drifting north, 

 but one is thankful not to be going east. 



To-night it has fallen calm and the floes have decidedly 

 opened; there is a lot of water about the ship, but it does not 

 look to extend far. Meanwhile the brash and thinner floes are 

 melting; everything of that sort must help — but it's trying to 

 the patience to be delayed like this. 



We have seen enough to know that with a north-v/esterly or 

 westerly wind the floes tend to pack and that they open when 

 it is calm. The question is, will they open more with an easterly 

 or south-easterly wind — that is the hope. 



Signs of open water round and about are certainly increasing 

 rather than diminishing. 



Friday, December 16. — The wind sprang up from the N.E. 

 this morning, bringing snow, thin light hail, and finally rain; 

 it grew very thick and has remained so all day. 



Early, the floe on which we had done so much ski-ing broke 

 up, and we gathered in our ice anchors, then put on head sail, 

 to which she gradually paid off. With a fair wind we set sail 

 on the foremast, and slowly but surely she pushed the heavy 

 floes aside. At lunch time we entered a long lead of open water, 

 and for nearly half an hour we sailed along comfortably in it. 

 Entering the pack again, we found the floes much lighter and 

 again pushed on slowly. In all w^e may have made as much 

 as three miles. 



I have observed for some time some floes of immense area 

 forming a chain of lakes in this pack, and have been most 

 anxious to discover their thickness. They are most certainly 



