I902] BEAUTIFUL SNOW-CRYSTALS 31 



that it is a six-pointed feathery star, quite flat and smooth on 

 either side. We find them sometimes as large as a shilling, 

 and at a short distance they might be small hexagonal pieces 

 of glass ; it is only on looking closely that one discovers the 

 intricate and delicate beauty of their design. 



* The effect of these en masse is equally wonderful ; they 

 rest in all positions, and therefore receive the sun's rays at all 

 angles, and in breaking them up reflect in turn each colour of 

 the spectrum. As one plods along towards the midnight sun, 

 one's eyes naturally fall on the plain ahead, and one realises 

 that the simile of a gem-strewn carpet could never be more 

 aptly employed than in describing the radiant path of the sun 

 on the snowy surface. It sparkles with a myriad points of 

 brilliant light, comprehensive of every colour the rainbow can 

 show, and is so realistic and near that it often seems one has 

 but- to stoop to pick up some glistening jewel. 



'We find a difficulty now in gaining even four miles a day; 

 the struggle gets harder and harder. We should not make any 

 progress if we did not pull hard ourselves ; several of the dogs 

 do practically nothing, and none work without an effort. 

 Slowly but surely, however, we are " rising " the land. Our 

 sastrugi to-day, from the recent confused state, have developed 

 into a W.N.W. direction ; it looks as though there was a local 

 wind out of the strait.' 



"■ December 5. — At breakfast we decided that our oil is going 

 too fast ; there has been some wastage from the capsizing of 

 the sledge, and at first we were far too careless of the amount 

 we used. When we came to look up dates, there was no doubt 

 that in this respect we have outrun the constable. We started 

 with the idea that a gallon was to last twelve days ; ours have 

 averaged little over ten. As a result we calculate that those 

 which remain must be made to last fourteen. This is a distinct 

 blow, as we shall have to sacrifice our hot luncheon meal and 

 to economise greatly at both the others. We started the new 

 routine to-night, and for lunch ate some frozen seal-meat and 

 our allowance of sugar and biscuit. The new conditions do not 

 smile on us at present, but I suppose we shall get used to them. 



