1903] THE ' FLYING SCUD ' 143 



astonishing amount this winter, first in collecting and reworking 

 all our observations, and later in constructing temporary charts. 

 A special table was fixed up for him in my cabin, where he 

 now spends most of his time. The result of his diligence is 

 most useful to me, as I can now see much more clearly what 

 we ought to try to do during our next sledging season.' 



^August I. — Walks over the hills are now delightful. 

 However cold one may be on starting, by the time one reaches 

 the crest one's blood is circulating freely, and the rest is wholly 

 enjoyable. A good look at the glorious scene round about, a 

 long trot over the hill plateau, an observation of Erebus with 

 its gilded coil of smoke, a half slide, half shuffle down some 

 convenient snow-slope amidst two or three scrambling, sky- 

 larking dogs, a sharp walk back over the level, and a glorious 

 appetite for tea to follow : there is not much hardship about 

 this sort of life. 



' Perhaps Barne has enjoyed himself as much as anyone 

 this winter in his own queer way. The improved weather has 

 given him a chance to spend many a day at his distant sound- 

 ing holes, and he has constantly departed soon after breakfast 

 to vanish from our ken until dinner. But this winter he has 

 rigged his small sledge with sails, and if it has not aided his 

 work much, it has given him a deal of extra amusement. The 

 sledge carries a small sounding machine, mounted high on a 

 box in the centre. The box contains a miscellaneous collection 

 of sinkers, thermometers, &c., together with the owner's light 

 midday repast. In front of and behind the box are the main 

 and mizzen masts, to which are hoisted a dashing suit of sails, 

 made from the drop scene of the Terror Theatre. There is 

 also a drop keel or lee board, made from a piece of boiler- 

 plate, and a wooden outrigger, which can be placed on either 

 side and weighted with a sinker to increase the stability of the 

 machine. Barne declares that if there is any breeze his noble 

 craft sails like a witch, on or off the wind, but this is scarcely 

 the opinion of others who have watched his movements. How- 

 ever, when the " Flying Scud," as she is called, is lying astern 

 of the " Discovery " with sails neatly furled, or when with all 



