88 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [January 



ice she could scarcely get a sea or swell without warning. It 

 looks a wonderfully comfortable little nook, but, of course, one 

 can be certain of nothing in this place; one knows from experi- 

 ence how deceptive the appearance of security may be. Pennell 

 is truly excellent in his present position he's invariably cheer- 

 ful, unceasingly watchful, and continuously ready for emer- 

 gencies. I have come to possess implicit confidence in him. 



The temperature fell to 4 last night, with a keen S.S.E. 

 breeze; it was very unpleasant outside after breakfast. Later 

 in the forenoon the wind dropped and the sun shone forth. This 

 afternoon it fell almost calm, but the sky clouded over again 

 and now there is a gentle warm southerly breeze with light falling 

 snow and an overcast sky. Rather significant of a blizzard if 

 we had not had such a lot of wind lately. The position of the 

 ship makes the casual transport that still proceeds very easy, 

 but the ice is rather thin at the edge. In the hut all is marching 

 towards the utmost comfort. 



Bowers has completed a storeroom on the south side, an 

 excellent place to keep our travelling provisions. Every day he 

 conceives or carries out some plan to benefit the camp. Simpson 

 and Wright are worthy of all admiration: they have been 

 unceasingly active in getting things to the fore and I think 

 will be ready for routine work much earlier than was antici- 

 pated. But, indeed, it is hard to specialise praise where every- 

 one is working so indefatigably for the cause. 



Each man in his way is a treasure. 



Clissold the cook has started splendidly, has served seal, 

 penguin, and skua now, and I can honestly say that I have never 

 met these articles of food in such a pleasing guise ; ' this point 

 is of the greatest practical importance, as it means the certainty 

 of good health for any number of years.' Hooper was landed 

 to-day, much to his joy. He got to work at once, and will be a 

 splendid help, freeing the scientific people of all dirty work. 

 Anton and Demetri are both most anxious to help on all occa- 

 sions; they are excellent boys. 



Thursday, January 19. The hut is becoming the most com- 

 fortable dwelling-place imaginable. We have made unto our- 

 selves a truly seductive home, within the walls of which peace, 

 quiet, and comfort reign supreme. 



Such a noble dwelling transcends the word ' hut,' and we 



