244 DEFICIENCY OP STORES. Chap. XITI. 



large cutter ; the former required nothing but 

 caulking to make her serviceable, but the latter 

 had a large portion of one bow and side cut out, 

 as if for making, or repairing flat sledges. No 

 record was found. 



We have now enough sugar to last us for 

 seven or eight months, but by the survey of 

 provisions which has just been completed, we 

 find a deficiency of many other articles, includ- 

 ing three casks of salt beef. Fortunately this 

 is of no consequence, as we have abundance of 

 both salt and preserved meat, but it shows the 

 alarming extent to which a negligent steward 

 may mislead one. This unfortunate man has 

 now got scurvy ; want of exercise and fresh air 

 is the apparent cause, combined with irregular 

 living ; the spirits have hitherto been in his 

 charge. 



The bustle of preparation for the extended 

 searching journeys has been exciting. Hobson's 

 party and my own are now all prepared, and 

 Young having returned, we purpose setting out 

 on the 2nd April — God willing. Young's new 

 sledge will be ready, and he will also start a few 

 days after us. All our winter defences of snow, 

 our porches, our deck-layer, and our external 

 embankment, have been removed. Dr. Walker, 

 of necessity, remains in charge of the ship, with 



