I9II] GOOD SPIRITS 247 



Service to break the week-day routine. During my night watch 

 last night I could observe the rapid falling of the wind, which 

 on dying away left a still atmosphere almost oppressively warm 

 at +7°. The temperature has remained comparatively high 

 to-day. I went to see the crack at which soundings were taken 

 a week ago — then it was several feet open with thin Ice between 

 — now it is pressed up Into a sharp ridge 3 to 4 feet high: the 

 edge pressed up shows an 18 inch thickness — this is of course 

 an effect oi the warm weather. 



Tuesday, July 25, JFednesday, July 26. — There is really 

 very little to be recorded in these days, life proceeds very calmly 

 If somewhat monotonously. Everyone seems fit, there is no sign 

 of depression. To all outward appearance the ponies are In 

 better form than they have ever been; the same may be said of 

 the dogs with one or two exceptions. 



The light comes on apace. To-day (Wednesday) it was 

 very beautiful at noon : the air was very clear and the detail 

 of the Western Mountains was revealed in infinitely delicate 

 contrasts of light. 



Thursday, July 27, Friday, July 28. — Calmer days: the sky 

 rosier : the light visibly advancing. We have never suffered 

 from low spirits, so that the presence of day raises us above a 

 normal cheerfulness to the realm of high spirits. 



The light, merry humour of our company has never been 

 eclipsed, the good-natured, kindly chaff has never ceased since 

 those early days of enthusiasm which Inspired them — they have 

 survived the winter days of stress and already renew themselves 

 with the coming of spring. If pessimistic moments had foreseen 

 the growth of rifts In the bond forged by these amenities, they 

 stand prophetically falsified; there is no longer room for doubt 

 that we shall come to our v/ork with a unity of purpose and a 

 disposition for mutual support which have never been equalled 

 In these paths of activity. Such a spirit should tide us [over] 

 all minor difficulties. It is a good omen. 



Saturday, July 29, Sunday, July 30, — Two quiet days, tem- 

 perature low In the minus thirties — an occasional rush of wind 

 lasting for but a few minutes. 



One of our best sledge dogs, ' Jullck,' has disappeared. 

 I'm afraid he's been set on by the others at some distant spot 

 and we shall see nothing more but his stiffened carcass when 



