19"] ON ARCTIC SURVEYING 215 



has not been much wind to-day, but the moon has been hid behind 

 stratus cloud. One feels horribly cheated in losing the pleasure 

 of its light. I scarcely know what the Crozier party can do if 

 they don't get better luck next month. 



Debenham and Gran have not yet returned; this is their 

 fifth day of absence. 



Bowers and Cherry-Garrard went to Cape Royds this after- 

 noon to stay the night. Taylor and Wright walked there and 

 back after breakfast this morning. They returned shortly after 

 lunch. 



Went for a short spin on ski this morning and again this 

 afternoon. This evening Evans has given us a lecture on survey- 

 ing. He was shy and slow, but very painstaking, taking a deal 

 of trouble in preparing pictures, &c. 



I took the opportunity to note hurriedly the few points to 

 which I want attention especially directed. No doubt others 

 will occur to me presently. I think I now understand very well 

 how and why the old surveyors (like Belcher) failed in the early 

 Arctic work. 



1. Every officer who takes part in the Southern Journey 

 ought to have in his memory the approximate variation of the 

 compass at various stages of the journey and to know how to 

 apply it to obtain a true course from the compass. The varia- 

 tion changes very slowly so that no great effort of memory is 

 required. 



2. He ought to know what the true course is to reach one 

 depot from another. 



3. He should be able to take an observation with the 

 theodolite. 



4. He should be able to work out a meridian altitude 

 observation. 



5. He could advantageously add to his knowledge the ability 

 to work out a longitude observation or an ex-meridian altitude. 



6. He should know how to read the sledgemeter. 



7. He should note and remember the error of the watch he 

 carries and the rate which is ascertained for it from time to 

 time. 



8. He should assist the surveyor by noting the coincidences 

 of objects, the opening out of valleys, the observation of new 

 peaks, &c. 19 



