IN WINTER QUARTERS WITH CAPTAIN SCOTT 325 



eggs obtained at such peril in July. To his delight they 

 showed three different stages in development, and were much 

 more developed than he expected. The embryos were rather 

 long, but very like fledgling sparrows. There were little tufts 

 on the tail already, and their long, flapper-like wings were not 

 a bit bird-like. The shells were very thick and about the 

 diameter of a swan's, but somewhat elongated. They were 

 light buff outside and bluish inside. Bill said only about 

 fifteen shells had been obtained, and no embryos. 



Household duties have been somewhat disorganized. 1 

 have laid and cleared the tables, while Atkinson has been chief 

 cook. He succeeded splendidly for the most part. " He 

 made excellent coffee ; Deb tasted first cup, and nearly died, 

 for it was pure cayenne ! " 



Erebus gave us a fine demonstration from 9 to 9.30 on 

 the 30th of October. The steam cloud rose like a huge 

 mushroom at first, then was branched like a yew-tree, and 

 ultimately settled down into a huge pall. 



On the 31st October the pony parties started. Two weak 

 ponies led by Atkinson and Crean were sent off first at 4.30, 

 and I accompanied them for about a mile. Crean's pony 

 rejoiced in the name of " Jimmy Pig," and he stepped out 

 much better than his fleeter-named mate Jehu. We heard 

 through the telephone of their safe arrival at Hut Point. 



Next morning the Southern Party finished their mail, 

 posting it in the packing case on Atkinson's bunk, and then 

 at 1 1 a.m. the last party were ready for the Pole. They had 

 packed the sledges overnight, and they took 20 lbs. personal 

 baggage. The Owner had asked me what book he should 

 take. He wanted something fairly " filling." I recommended 

 Tyndall's Glaciers — if he wouldn't find it " coolish." He 

 didn't fancy this ! So then I said, " Why not take Brown- 

 ing, as I'm doing ? ' And I believe that he did so. 



Wright's pony was the first harnessed to its sledge. 

 " Chinaman " is Jehu's rival for last place, and as some com- 

 pensation is easy to harness. Seaman Evans led " Snatcher," 

 who used to rush ahead and take the lead as soon as he was 

 harnessed. Cherry had " Michael," a steady goer, and Wilson 

 led " Nobby " — the pony rescued from the killer whales in 

 March. Scott led out " Snippets " to the sledges, and har- 

 nessed him to the foremost, with little Anton's help — only it 



