1902] THE 'SOUTH POLAR TIMES' 267 



non-smokers who have not the least objection to sitting 

 amongst many pipes. 



'There is another habit indulged in by a few of the men which 

 I thought had almost universally died out of fashion — namely, 

 that of chewing. The objection to this, in my mind, is that it 

 is carried on during the outdoor work, and it will, therefore, be 

 a temptation for them to continue it during the sledging, and 

 I feel sure that such a habit will detract from their marching 

 powers. I have said nothing at present, but I propose that 

 both smoking and chewing shall be forbidden on the march, 

 and though a small allowance of tobacco will be permitted for 

 smoking in camp, I hope to discourage chewing altogether.' 



' July 25. — . . . The fourth number of our excellent monthly 

 publication, the " South Polar Times," has recently appeared, 

 and maintains the same excellence as former issues. The scheme 

 for this publication was discussed long before the sun left us, 

 and by general consent Shackleton was appointed editor. It 

 was decided that each number should contain, besides the 

 editorial, a summary of the events and meteorological condi- 

 tions of the past month, certain scientifically instructive articles 

 dealing with our work and our surroundings, and certain others 

 written in a lighter vein. As the scheme developed it was 

 found that other features, such as full-page caricatures, acrostics, 

 and puzzles, could be added ; and now each month sees the 

 production of a stout volume which is read with much interest 

 and amusement by everyone. One of the pleasantest points 

 with regard to it is that the men contribute as well as the 

 officers ; in fact, some of the best and quite the most amusing 

 articles are written by the occupants of the mess-deck, of whom 

 one or two show extraordinary ability with the pen. But 

 beyond all else the journal owes its excellence to the principal 

 artist, Wilson, who carries out the greater part of the illustra- 

 tion and produces drawings whose charm would be appreciated 

 anywhere. 



4 Once or twice lately we have discussed the possibility of 

 these volumes being interesting to a larger public, though 

 there was no such idea in anyone's mind at the start. It is 



