i9n] FROM TENT ISLAND 265 



bacterial action and the possibility of infection in epidemic 

 form. Wilson is evidently slow to accept the ' acid intoxication ' 

 theory; his attitude is rather ' non proven.' His remarks were 

 extremely sound and practical as usual. He proved the value of 

 fresh meat in polar regions. 



Scurvy seems very far away from us this time, yet after 

 our Discovery experience, one feels that no trouble can be too 

 great or no precaution too small to be adopted to keep it at bay. 

 Therefore such an evening as last was well spent. 



It is certain we shall not have the disease here, but one 

 cannot foresee equally certain avoidance in the southern jour- 

 ney to come. All one can do is to take every possible precaution. 



Ran over to Tent Island this afternoon and climbed to the 

 top I have not been there since 1903. Was struck with great 

 amount of loose sand; it seemed to get smaller in grain from 

 S. to N. Fine view from top of island: one specially notices 

 the gap left by the breaking up of the Glacier Tongue. 



The distance to the top of the island and back is between 

 7 and 8 statute miles, and the run in this weather is fine healthy 

 exercise. Standing on the island to-day with a glorious view 

 of mountains, islands, and glaciers, I thought how very different 

 must be the outlook of the Norwegians. A dreary white plain 

 of Barrier behind and an uninviting stretch of sea ice in front. 

 With no landmarks, nothing to guide if the light fails, it is prob- 

 able that they venture but a very short distance from their hut. 



The prospects of such a situation do not smile on us. 



The weather remains fine this is the sixth day without wind. 



Sunday, August 20. The long-expected blizzard came yes- 

 terday a good honest blow, the drift vanishing long before the 

 wind. This and the rise of temperature (to -f- 2) has smoothed 

 and polished all ice or snow surfaces. A few days ago I could 

 walk anywhere in my soft finnesko with sealskin soles; to-day 

 it needed great caution to prevent tumbles. I think there has 

 been a good deal of ablation. 



The sky is clear to-day, but the wind still strong though 

 warm. I went along the shore of the North Bay and climbed to 

 the glacier over one of the drifted faults in the ice face. It is 

 steep and slippery, but by this way one can arrive above the Ramp 

 without touching rock and thus avoid cutting soft footwear. 



The ice problems in our neighbourhood become more fasci- 



