i9] PONIES SUFFER IN BLIZZARD 315 



especially under the broad belly straps; this melts and makes 

 the coat wet if allowed to remain. It is not easy to understand 

 at first why the blizzard should have such a withering effect on 

 the poor beasts. I think it is mainly due to the exceeding fine- 

 ness of the snow particles, which, like finely divided powder, 

 penetrate the hair of the coat and lodge in the inner warmths. 

 Here it melts, and as water carries off the animal heat. Also, 

 no doubt, it harasses the animals by the bombardment of the fine 

 flying particles on tender places such as nostrils, eyes, and to 

 lesser extent ears. In this way it continually bothers them, pre- 

 venting rest. Of all things the most important for horses is 

 that conditions should be placid whilst they stand tethered. 



Wednesday, November 8. Camp 5. Wind with overcast 

 threatening sky continued to a late hour last night. The ques- 

 tion of starting was open for a long time, and many were un- 

 favourable. I decided we must go, and soon after midnight 

 the advance guard got away. To my surprise, when the rugs 

 were stripped from the ' crocks ' they appeared quite fresh and 

 fit. Both Jehu and Chinaman had a skittish little run. When 

 their heads were loose Chinaman indulged in a playful buck. 

 All three started with their loads at a brisk pace. It was 

 a great relief to find that they had not suffered at all from 

 the blizzard. They went out six geographical miles, and our 

 section going at a good round pace found them encamped as 

 usual. After they had gone, we waited for the rearguard to 

 come up and joined with them. For the next 5 miles the bunch 

 of seven kept together in fine style, and with wind dropping, 

 sun gaining in power, and ponies going well, the march was a 

 real pleasure. One gained confidence every moment in the 

 animals; they brought along their heavy loads without a hint 

 of tiredness. All take the patches of soft snow with an easy 

 stride, not bothering themselves at all. The majority halt now 

 and again to get a mouthful of snow, but little Christopher 

 goes through with a non-stop run. He gives as much trouble 

 as ever at the start, showing all sorts of ingenious tricks to 

 escape his harness. Yesterday when brought to his knees and 

 held, he lay down, but this served no end, for before he jumped 

 to his feet and dashed off the traces had been fixed and he was 

 in for the 13 miles of steady work. Oates holds like grim death 

 to his bridle until the first freshness is worn off, and this is no 



