164 I. C. Russell — Sxpeditiori to Moum St. Ellas. 



the Agassiz glacier, and were used by the men in bringing up 

 supplies. In attempting to ascend Mount St. Elias from Icy 

 bay by the route suggested, at least three such relay stations 

 should be established between the Chaix hills, where wood for 

 camp-fires can be obtained (as is known from the reports of the 

 New York Times and Topham expeditions), and the high camp 

 on the divide. The relay camps suggested should be one day's 

 march aj)art, and would serve not only for stopping places while 

 carrying rations during the advance, but would furnish a line of 

 retreat. A party making this journey should be provided with 

 snow-shoes, which unfortunately we did not take with us. 



All rations intended for use above the snow-line should be 

 packed in tin cans, each of sufficient size to hold between fifty 

 and sixty pounds, and each should be securely soldered. All 

 articles packed in this way should be thoroughly dry and should 

 be packed in a dry, warm room. When secured in this manner 

 they are about as easy to carry as if packed in bags, and can be 

 " cached " anywhere out of the reach of floods and avalanches, 

 with the certainty of being serviceable when wanted. The more 

 perishable articles to be used where camp-fires are possible should 

 also be secured in tin cans. Sacks of flour, corn-meal, etc., sh ould 

 be protected by an outer covering of strong canvas. The expe- 

 rience of last summer showed that the cans of rations intended 

 for use above the snow-line should each contain about the fol- 

 lowing ration, which may be varied to suit individual taste : 



Bacon, smoked ..... 



Corned beef, in can .... 



Flour and corn-meal, with necessary quantity of baking 

 powder ...... 



Coffee . . . ^ . 



Rolled oats . . 



Sugar . . . . . 



Chocolate, sweet ..... 



Salt . . . . 



Extract of beef . 



Tobacco ...... 



Condensed milk (small cans) 

 Matches (wax) 



Our experience with oil-stoves showed that they are service- 

 able. While on the march they can he carried as hand packs in 



