SLEDGING EQUIPMENT 



with the strength of the structure as a whole, is the 

 main point to be aimed at; in our case there was nothing 

 wanting in this respect. 



The wooden runners were about four inches wide and 

 made of hickory, split from the tree with the grain of the 

 wood and not sawn. Many pieces were inspected and 

 rejected and only those passed as perfect were used. 

 This method of preparing the runners, it can easily 

 be seen, allows much greater scope for bending than 

 would be the case if the wood were sawn regardless 

 of the run of the grain. In pulling the sledge the 

 direction of the grain on the snow surface has to be 

 observed, and it is wonderful what a difference it makes 

 whether one is pulling with or against the grain of the 

 runner. The second point to consider is the height 

 of the framework of the sledge above the surface of 

 the snow. Naturally, with a low framework there is 

 less chance of the sledge-load capsizing when passing 

 over rough ground, and the aim of the explorer is 

 therefore to keep the load as low as possible on the 

 sledge. It has been found that a clearance of six inches 

 is ample in all ordinary circumstances, so the uprights 

 of our sledges were only about six inches high. These 

 uprights were fastened at intervals into holes on the 

 upper side of the runners, and instead of being fastened 

 on the underside of the latter, other holes were bored 

 in the ridge on the upper side and raw hide lashings 

 passed through them and through the upright. Cross- 

 pieces were fastened by a sort of dovetailing process, 

 supplemented by marlin lashings, and the angle made 

 by the vertical upright and horizontal cross-piece was 

 crossed by a short iron stay. This junction of cross- 

 piece and upright was the only absolutely rigid part of 

 the whole sledge. Every other portion of a good 

 sledge gives somewhat as it takes up the various strains, 



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