1 68 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [April 



Three seals reported on the ice; all hands out after break- 

 fast and the Hver and blubber of all three seals were brought 

 in. This relieves one of a little anxiety, leaving a twelve days' 

 stock, in which time other seals ought to be coming up. I am 

 making arrangements to start back to-morrow, but at present 

 it is overcast and wind coming up from the south. This after- 

 noon, all ice frozen last night went out quietly; the sea tried 

 to freeze behind it, but the wind freshened soon. The ponies 

 were exercised yesterday and to-day; they look pretty fit, but 

 their coats are not so good as those in winter quarters — they 

 want fatty foods. 



Am preparing to start to-morrow, satisfied that the Discovery 

 Hut is very comfortable and life very liveable in it. The dogs 

 are much the same, all looking pretty fit except Vaida and 

 Rabchick — neither of which seem to get good coats. I am 

 greatly struck with the advantages of experience in Crean and 

 Lashly for all work about camps. 



Thursday, April 20. — Hut Point. Everything ready for 

 starting this morning, but of course it ' blizzed.' Weather im- 

 possible — much wind and drift from south. Wind turned to 

 S.E. in afternoon — temperatures low. Went for walk to Cape 

 Armitage, but it is really very unpleasant. The wind blowing 

 round the Cape is absolutely blighting, force 7 and temperature 

 below — 30°. Sea a black cauldron covered with dark frost 

 smoke. No ice can form in such weather. 



Friday, April 21. — Started homeward at 10.30. 



Left Meares in charge of station with Demetri to help with 

 dogs, Lashly and Keohane to look out for ponies. Nelson and 

 Day and Forde to get some idea of the life and experience. 

 Homeward party, therefore: 



As usual all hands pulled up Ski slope, which we took without 

 a halt. Lashly and Demetri came nearly to Castle Rock — very 

 cold side wind and some frostbites. We reached the last down- 

 ward slope about 2.30; at the cliff edge found the cornice 

 gone — heavy wind and drift worse than before, if anything. 



