102 



MY ARCTIC JOURNAL 



party is desirous of having his ski lighter and stronger 

 than those of the others, except Verhoefif, whose whole in- 

 terest is divided between the thermometer and the tide-gage. 

 The words of the physicians on board the " Kite" six months 

 ago have come true — Mr. Peary's leg is practically as sound 

 as it ever was. 



Saturday, January i6. During the last week we have had 

 beautiful weather — calm, clear, and cold. Every day we have 

 a more decided light, and I take advantage of it by indulging 

 in long snow-shoe tramps. I can walk for hours without tiring 

 if a single snow-shoer has gone before me; but if I attempt to 



break the path alone I soon get ex- 

 hausted. I have been busy making 

 foot-wraps out of blanketing, and 

 have also made myself some articles 

 of clothing out of the same material. 

 We find that mittens made out of 

 blanketing and worn inside the fur 

 mittens absorb the moisture and add 

 to the warmth and comfortable feeling. 

 My room has looked more like a 

 gun-.shop than anything else for the 

 last few days ; Mr. Peary has been putting a new spring in 

 his shot-gun and overhauling an old rifle. 



Sunday, January 17. To-day at 2 P. M. Mr. Peary and 

 I went out for our tramp. The temperature was -45°, 

 and the only chance to walk was along the pathway made 



In my Kooletah. 



