88 WITH SCOTT: THE SILVER LINING 



level these are covered by a pall of snow, which extends 

 almost uninterruptedly to the summit of Erebus. The slope 

 steepens considerably at an elevation of some five thousand 

 feet, and when the top is clouded over, the lower portion is 

 not unlike the base of Fujiyama in Japan. On a clear day 

 the steam-cloud capping Erebus is very obvious. Usually it 

 is seen drifting to the south from a sharp vertical column 

 arising directly above the crater. Sometimes, however, the 

 steam-cloud spreads out fairly symmetrically, and on one 

 occasion it simulated a gigantic cedar-tree, with a central trunk 

 and spreading branches. To the south are two stranded bergs, 

 which I shall describe in detail later. As a background to 

 these dazzling white pyramids is the sombre ridge of Inacces- 

 sible Island, which some of us before long — in spite of its 

 name — managed to conquer. To the north-east is the cliff- 

 like edge of the Cape Barne glacier, reaching almost to the 

 curious dark erratic outline of Cape Royds. Fifty miles away 

 to the west, across the sound, the wonderful glacial valleys of 

 the western mountains are seen veiled in clouds. 



Now began a strenuous time for all on board. It was 

 necessary to get the heavy cargo off the ship while the floe 

 remained firm. Though the weather was excellent there was 

 no telling when a heavy wind would send all the sea ice into 

 Ross Sea. Gang-planks were run out, and the wildly excited 

 dogs pulled, pushed, and tumbled into the hands of men on 

 the ice. Then they went at a gallop over mushy ice to the 

 bow ice-anchor chain ; there they were tethered at intervals of 

 a foot or so. We had not been at work long when inquisitive 

 visitors turned up. These were the Adelie penguins, who 

 waddled eagerly forward, and promenaded about, with their 

 heads bent on one side in a very critical fashion. Unfortu- 

 nately the dogs were as keenly interested in them, and 

 simultaneously twenty of them rushed at the nearest penguin. 

 A scene of wild confusion ensued. The heavy cable was 

 jerked about so violently that the end dogs were lifted several 

 feet into the air and hung there a moment suspended by their 

 chains. Whips, yells, and curses were of no avail until the 

 miserable bird had been torn limb from limb. For some 

 hours one man had to be on the watch to warn off trespassers 

 and prevent penguin suicide. 



The ponies, with one exception, were much less trouble, 



