1902] THE TENT 317 



drift-proof. There was one other hole in the tent close to the 

 top which was named the ventilator, but would have been 

 more correctly called the chimney, as it was rarely opened 

 except to allow the steam of the cooking to pass away, instead 

 of being condensed and frozen on the sides of the tent. This 

 orifice was closed in a similar manner to the entrance. 



On the floor inside the tent was spread a stout square of 

 waterproof canvas which prevented the sleeping-bag or the 

 occupants from coming into immediate contact with the snow 

 surface. This floorcloth spread on bamboos likewise made an 

 excellent sail, but could be used in this capacity only when 

 the wind was abaft the beam. 



Such a tent, with poles and floorcloth complete, weighed 

 about 30 lbs., and I do not think it would be safe to use a 

 tent of less weight in the Antarctic Regions owing to the heavy 

 strains which are brought on it by the frequent gales. In this 

 respect our tents deserve a high meed of praise. When we 

 first travelled with them in windy weather, and in their shelter 

 were forced to listen to the thunderous flapping of the canvas 

 as gust after gust swept across the plain, we were not a little 

 alarmed for their safety and our own ; it seemed impossible 

 that a thin shred of canvas could withstand attacks of such 

 violence. We went so far as to fit extra guys on the principle 

 of what is known to the sailor as a euphroe, to assist in 

 preserving the stability of the erection, and when it was 

 possible we built snow walls as a further protection against the 

 extreme force of the wind. But with greater experience we 

 gained more confidence in our tents, till finally we realised 

 that if they were properly secured with snow it would take 

 little less than a hurricane to uproot them. Before the second 

 year, the constant flapping had worn the canvas very thin and 

 threadbare, and as far as appearances went in the second 

 season they presented the most dilapidated aspect from the 

 numerous patches of various colours which we had been forced 

 to insert in the weak places. It was when in this condition 

 they still offered a bold front to the wind, and saved us from 

 the rigours of many a storm, that we realised their excellent 



