228 TEAVELLIliG KOUTINE. Chap. XH, 



to insure tlie weaker ones their full share in the 

 scramble for supper ; then commenced the 

 operation of unpacking the sledge, and carrying 

 into our hut everything necessary for ourselves, 

 such as provision and sleeping gear, as well as 

 all boots, fur mittens, and even the sledge dog- 

 harness, to prevent the dogs from eating them 

 during our sleeping hours. The door was now 

 blocked up with snow, the cooking-lamp lighted, 

 foot-gear changed, diary written up, watches 

 wound, sleeping bags wriggled into, pipes 

 lighted, and the merits of the various dogs 

 discussed, until supper was ready ; the supper 

 swallowed, the upper robe or coverlet was 

 pulled over, and then to sleep. 



Next morning came breakfast, a struggle 

 to get into frozen mocassins, after which the 

 sledges were packed, and another day's march 

 commenced. 



In these little huts we usually slept warm 

 enough, although latterly, when our blankets 

 and clothes became loaded with ice, we felt the 

 cold severely. When our low doorway was 

 carefully blocked up with snow, and the cook- 

 ing-lamp alight, the temperature quickly rose 

 so that the walls became glazed, and our bedding 

 thawed ; but the cooking over, or the doorway 

 partially opened, it as quickly fell again, so that 



