A HARD STRUGGLE 20i 



" No dog was killed yesterday, as there were two- 

 thirds left of 'Ulenka' from the previous day, which 

 provided an abundant repast. I now only intend to 

 slaughter one ever)- other day, and perhaps we shall 

 soon come across a bear. 



"Thursday, May 9th. +9" Fahr. (—13.3° C). Yes- 

 terday was a fairly good day. The ice was certainly not 

 first-rate, rather rubbly, and the going heavy, but all the 

 same we are making steady way forward. There were 

 long, flat stretches every now and then. The weather 

 had become quite fine when we got under way, about 

 3 o'clock this morning. The sun was shining through 

 light cumulus clouds. It was hard work, howe\'er, 

 makinor head aoainst the ice, and soon the fo2: came 

 down with the wind, which still blew from the same 

 direction (N.N.E.). 



" The work of hauling becomes heavier and heavier for 

 the dogs, in proportion as their numbers diminished. The 

 wooden runners, too (the under-runners), do not seem to 

 ride well. I have long thought of taking them off, and 

 to-day really decided to try the sledges without them. 

 In spite of everything the dogs keep a very even pace, 

 with only a halt now and then. Yesterday there were 

 only four dogs for my sledge. One of them, ' Flint,' 

 slipped his harness and ran away, and we did not get hold 

 of him again before the evening, when he was killed by 

 way of punishment. The ice was all along more uneven 

 than it has been the last few days. In the afternoon the 



