WAKING TEA UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 



109 



consisted of a pannikin of warm tea, with 4ozs. of bacon and a little biscuit to each 

 man. When the weather was intensely cold, or there was any wind, this meal was a 

 very trying one. They were frequently compelled to wait as long as an hour and a 

 half before the tea was ready, during which time they had to keep continually on the 

 move to avoid frost-bite. The question, " Does it boil ? " was constantly heard; and the 



SUNSHINE IN THE POLAR REGIONS. 



refractory behaviour of the kettle tried the unfortunate cook's temper and patience to 

 the utmost. After the day's march sometimes ten to eleven, and even twelve working- 

 hours had terminated, and every one was comfortably settled in his bag, supper, consisting 

 of tea and pemmicaiij was served, after which pipes were lighted, and the daily allowance 

 of spirits issued to those who were not total abstainers. The mid-day tea was found 

 most refreshing and invigorating, and it was infinitely preferred by the men to the old 

 custom of serving half the allowance of grog at that time. 



