i5o THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' [Sept. 



consequently the last of the summer must be sacrificed, and it 

 was ordered that all sledging journeys should start at such a 

 date as to assure their return to the ship by the middle of 

 December. 



Thus when the sun returned again in 1903 it found us 

 ready to start on our journeys once more, and only waiting with 

 impatience for the light which was to guide us on our way. 

 The story of these journeys I reserve for a future chapter, but 

 in what state of health and spirits we undertook them can be 

 gathered from the following : — 



''September 6. — To-morrow we start our sledging; the 

 Terror party go to Cape Crozier. The ship is in a state of 

 bustle, people flying to and fro, packing sledges, weighing 

 loads, and inspecting each detail of equipment. To judge by 

 the laughter and excitement we might be boys escaping from 

 school. The word "scurvy" has not been heard this year, 

 and the doctor tells me there is not a sign of it in the ship. 

 Truly our prospects look bright for the sledge-work of the 

 future.' 



