I9I2] LOW TEMPERATURE 401 



our bags. 3 1 miles to depot, 3 days' fuel at a pinch, and 6 days' 

 food. Things begin to look a little better; we can open out 

 a little on food from to-morrow night, I think. 



Very curious surface — soft recent sastrugi which sink under- 

 foot, and between, a sort of flaky crust with large crystals 

 beneath. 



Tuesday, February 28. — Lunch. Thermometer went below 

 — 40° last night; it was desperately cold for us, but we had a 

 fair night. I decided to slightly increase food; the effect is 

 undoubtedly good. Started marching in -32° with a slight 

 north-westerly breeze — blighting. Many cold feet this morn- 

 ing; long time over foot gear, but we are earlier. Shall camp 

 earlier and get the chance of a good night, if not the reality. 

 Things must be critical till we reach the depot, and the more 

 I think of matters, the more I anticipate their remaining so after 

 that event. Only 243^ miles from the depot. The sun shines 

 brightly, but there is little warmth in it. There is no doubt the 

 middle of the Barrier is a pretty awful locality. 



Camp 42. Splendid pony hoosh sent us to bed and sleep 

 happily after a horrid day, v/ind continuing; did 11^ miles. 

 Temp, not quite so low, but expect we are in for cold night 

 (Temp. - 27°). 



Wednesday, February 29. — Lunch. Cold night. Minimum 

 Temp. —37-5°; —30° with north-west wind, force 4, when we 

 got up. Frightfully cold starting; luckily Bowers and Oates 

 in their last new finnesko; keeping my old ones for present. 

 Expected awful march and for first hour got it. Then things 

 improved and we camped after 5^ hours marching close to 

 lunch camp — 22^. Next camp is our depot and it is exactly 13 

 miles. It ought not to take more than i^ days; we pray for 

 another fine one. The oil will just about spin out in that event, 

 and we arrive 3 clear days' food in hand. The increase of 

 ration has had an enormously beneficial result. Mountains now 

 looking small. Wind still very light from west — cannot under- 

 stand this wind. 



Thursday, March i. — Lunch. Very cold last night — mini- 

 mum -41-5°. Cold start to march, too, as usual now. Got 

 away at 8 and have marched within sight of depot; flag some- 

 thing under 3 miles away. We did 1 1 >4 yesterday and marched 

 6 this morning. Heavy dragging yesterday and very heavy this 



VOL. I — ^26 



