19"] DOGS, PONIES, AND DRIVING 329 



This has certainly been the most unexpected and trying summer 

 blizzard yet experienced in this region. I only trust it is over. 

 There is not much to choose between the remaining ponies. 

 Nobby and Bones are the strongest, Victor and Christopher the 

 weakest, but all should get through. The land doesn't show 

 up yet. 



Wednesday, November 29. Camp 25. Lat. 82 21'. 

 Things much better. The land showed up late yesterday; 

 Mount Markham, a magnificent triple peak, appearing won- 

 derfully close, Cape Lyttelton and Cape Goldie. We did our 

 march in good time, leaving about 4.20, and getting into this 

 camp at 1.15. About 7^ hours on the march. I suppose our 

 speed throughout averages 2 stat. miles an hour. 



The land showed hazily on the march, at times looking re- 

 markably near. Sheety white snowy stratus cloud hung about 

 overhead during the first march, but now the sky is clearing, the 

 sun very warm and bright. Land shows up almost ahead now, 

 our pony goal less than 70 miles away. The ponies are tired, 

 but I believe all have five days' work left in them, and some a 

 great deal more. Chinaman made four feeds for the dogs, and 

 I suppose we can count every other pony as a similar asset. It 

 follows that the dogs can be employed, rested, and fed well on 

 the homeward track. We could really get though now with their 

 help and without much delay, yet every consideration makes it 

 desirable to save the men from heavy hauling as long as possible. 

 So I devoutly hope the 70 miles will come in the present order 

 of things. Snippets and Nobby now walk by themselves, follow- 

 ing in the tracks well. Both have a continually cunning eye on 

 their driver, ready to stop the moment he pauses. They eat 

 snow every few minutes. It's a relief not having to lead an 

 animal; such trifles annoy one on these marches, the animal's 

 vagaries, his everlasting attempts to eat his head rope, &c. Yet 

 all these animals are very full of character. Some day I must 

 write of them and their individualities. 



The men-haulers started 1^2 hours before us and got here 

 a good hour ahead, travelling easily throughout. Such is the 

 surface with the sun on it, justifying my decision to work towards 

 day marching. Evans has suggested the word ' glide ' for the 

 quality of surface indicated. ' Surface ' is more comprehensive, 

 and includes the crusts and liability to sink in them. From this 



