i 9 o 3 ] FIRST EXPLORERS OF VICTORIA LAND 103 



On December 31 they were abreast of one of the last of 

 these isolated summits, and as it formed a most conspicuous 

 landmark they determined to leave at its foot a depot of a 

 week's provision. They were able to approach the high 

 weathered basaltic cliffs with ease, and found a sheltered 

 position amongst the rough talus heaps at its base. Continuing 

 to the west, they were faced by a steep rise over which the 

 surface was much broken ; but, selecting the smoothest route, 

 they were able to surmount this obstacle, when, after crossing 

 some wide bridged crevasses, they found themselves on a 

 plateau which continued for many miles to a second steep rise. 



New Year's Day found them on this plateau at a height of 

 7,500 feet; the temperature had fallen to — 2 , and a strong 

 wind was blowing from the W.S.W. It was whilst they were 

 marching under these conditions that one of their number, 

 Macfarlane, suddenly collapsed. Armitage says : 'At first I 

 was very much alarmed ; he could neither move nor speak, 

 and his face, which had turned to a dull grey, looked positively 

 ghastly. I had a tent pitched immediately, and soon the colour 

 began to flow back into his face. He then complained of 

 pains under his heart and shortness of breath, but these 

 troubles gradually subsided. Being anxious to push on, after 

 waiting some time, I decided to leave half the party in camp 

 and continue to the west with the remainder. I came to the 

 conclusion that Macfarlane's breakdown was due to some form 

 of mountain sickness.' 



Proceeding to the westward the advance party ascended 

 another very steep rise, and then travelled over a gradual 

 slope, at the top of which they camped on the night of 

 January 3. This Armitage decided should be his last camp. 

 They had now reached a height of 8,900 feet, and as far as 

 they could see in every direction to the westward of them there 

 extended a level plateau ; to the south and north could be 

 seen isolated nunataks, and behind them showed the high 

 mountains which they had passed. On the 5th the party left 

 their camp and proceeded to the south-west for some miles on 

 ski. Armitage says : ■ We ascended seventy feet in the first 



