1911] UPPER GLACIER DEPOT 353 



to have the indefatigable little Bowers to see to all detail 

 arrangements of this sort. 



We have risen a great height to-day and I hope it will not 

 be necessary to go down again, but it looks as though we must 

 dip a bit even to go to the south-west. 



' December 21, 191 1. Lat. 85° S. We are struggling on, 

 considering all things, against odds. The weather is a constant 

 anxiety, otherwise arrangements are working exactly as planned. 



' For your own ear also, I am exceedingly fit and can go 

 with the best of them. 



' It is a pity the luck doesn't come our way, because every 

 detail of equipment is right. 



' I write this sitting in our tent waiting for the fog to clear 

 — an exasperating position as we are in the worst crevassed 

 region. Teddy Evans and Atkinson were down to the length 

 of their harness this morning, and we have all been half-way 

 down. As first man I get first chance, and it's decidedly exciting 

 not knowing which step will give way. Still all this is interesting 

 enough if one could only go on. 



' Since writing the above I made a dash for it, got out of 

 the valley out of the fog and away from crevasses. So here 

 we are practically on the summit and up to date in the provision 

 line. We ought to get through.' 



VOL. I — 23 



