I9"J LANDING IMPOSSIBLE 59 



erect as when planted, and we have been comparing all we have 

 seen with old photographs. No change at all seems to have 

 taken place anywhere, and this is very surprising in the case of 

 the Barrier edge. 



From the penguin rookeries to the west it is a relentless coast 

 with high ice cliffs and occasional bare patches of rock showing 

 through. Even if landing were possible, the grimmest crevassed 

 snow slopes lie behind to cut one off from the Barrier surface; 

 there is no hope of shelter till we reach Cape Royds. 



Meanwhile all hands are employed making a running sur- 

 vey. I give an idea of the programme opposite. Terror cleared 

 itself of cloud some hours ago, and we have had some change 

 in views of it. It is quite certain that the ascent would be easy. 

 The Bay on the north side of Erebus is much deeper than 

 shown on the chart. 



The sun has been obstinate all day, peeping out occasionally 

 and then shyly retiring; it makes a great difference to comfort. 



Programme 



Bruce continually checking speed with hand log. 

 f Bowers taking altitudes of objects as they come abeam. 

 \ Nelson noting results. 



{Pennell taking verge plate bearings on bow and quarter. 

 Cherry-Garrard noting results. 

 {Evans taking verge plate bearings abeam. 

 Atkinson noting results. 

 J Campbell taking distances abeam with range finder. 

 { Wright noting results. 



{Rennick sounding with Thomson machine. 

 Drake noting results. 



Beaufort Island looks very black from the south. 



10.30. We find pack off Cape Bird; we have passed 

 through some streams and there is some open water ahead, 

 but I'm afraid we may find the ice pretty thick in the Strait 

 at this date. 



Wednesday, January 4, 1 A.M. We are around Cape Bird 

 and in sight of our destination, but it is doubtful if the open 

 water extends so far. 



We have advanced by following an open water lead close 

 along the land. Cape Bird is a very rounded promontory with 



