356 WITH SCOTT : THE SILVER LINING 



to tearing fragments off such a superfluity of carcase ! We 

 welcomed these visitors, for we had in mind future tasty- 

 dishes based on skua eggs. 



It snowed during the night, about one inch falling, chiefly 

 as needles and fluff-balls. All this spoiled future sledging, 

 but we watched it philosophically now that we had got our 

 main supply to its destination. 



I turned in later than the others, and, on having a last look 

 round, I noticed some dark specks floating on a little pool. 



With no organic matter in the 

 air, this seemed unusual, and 

 on closer examination I found 

 that these were the long-desired 

 , . insects ! They were little bluish 



omp ocep o. <j fellows shaped like a cigar, with 



Anr^chc SpmnghAil. six legs and no wing§> j was 



very pleased, and rushed to 

 inform my sleeping mates. I am sorry to record that they 

 did not seem to think the discovery worth the loss of their 

 first sleep ! Each insect was about one millimetre long, so 

 that twenty-five only measure an inch, and they clustered 

 together like aphides. 



Next morning I received congratulations, as it was my 

 birthday. The sledge flags were hoisted on a line between 

 two depot poles. We hung up the red-and-black depot 

 bunting also in honour of the occasion. Debenham said he 

 had no present for me, but he could not allow me to cook 

 my birthday dinner. I noticed that the others seemed over- 

 joyed that I should be relieved of my cooking duties for one 

 meal ! 



" However, I did breakfast, and made a fine hoosh. The 

 great secret is to mix the wheatmeal, pepper, salt, etc., well, 

 and pour it in just before the pemmican boils, giving it only 

 five minutes. It is much more slippery and soothing than if 

 you cook the ' thickers ' longer. I shall be quite an accom- 

 plished cook later on ! " 



About 1 1 a.m. Gran, Forde, and I brought the other 

 sledge in from the Bluff. After lunch we unloaded the stores, 

 mustered them, and placed them under a big rock until the 

 hut should be ready to receive them. 



" We seem to be especially rich in raisins. I fear I forgot 



