I9I01 CHRISTMAS IN THE ICE 39 



in the direction from whence we have come, elsewhere the white 

 haze of ice blink is pervading. 



We are captured. We do practically nothing under sail to 

 push through, and could do little under steam, and at each step 

 forward the possibility of advance seems to lessen. 



The wind which has persisted from the west for so long 

 fell light last night, and to-day comes from the N.E. by N., a 

 steady breeze from 2 to 3 in force. Since one must have hope, 

 ours is pinned to the possible effect of a continuance of easterly 

 wind. Again the call is for patience and again patience. Here 

 at least we seem to enjoy full security. The ice is so thin that 

 it could not hurt by pressure^there are no bergs within reason- 

 able distance — indeed the thinness of the ice is one of the most 

 tantalising conditions. In spite of the unpropitious prospect 

 everyone on board is cheerful and one foresees a merry dinner 

 to-night. 



The mess is gaily decorated with our various banners. 

 There was full attendance at the Service this morning and a 

 lusty singing of hymns. 



Should we now try to go east or west? 



I have been trying to go west because the majority of tracks 

 lie that side and no one has encountered such hard conditions as 

 ours — otherwise there is nothing to point to this direction, and 

 all through the last week the prospect to the west has seemed 

 less promising than in other directions; in spite of orders to 

 steer to the S.W. when possible it has been impossible to push 

 in that direction. 



An event of Christmas was the production of a family by 

 Crean's rabbit. She gave birth to 17, it is said, and Crean has 

 given away 22 ! 



I don't know what will become of the parent or family; 

 at present they are warm and snug enough, tucked away in the 

 fodder under the forecastle. 



Midnight. — To-night the air is thick with falling snow; the 

 temperature 28°. It is cold and slushy without. 



A merry evening has just concluded. We had an excellent 

 dinner: tomato soup, penguin breast stewed as an entree, roast 

 beef, plum-pudding, and mince pies, asparagus, champagne, port 

 and liqueurs — a festive menu. Dinner began at 6 and ended at 7. 



