From Hobart to South Victoria Land. 77 
the soft snow, nearer to their prey, and all the while 
loudly cheered by Mr. Hanson, who from time to 
time recommended carefulness in their enterprise. 
At last came the final dash; then they stopped 
short, hesitated, and then slowly wended their way 
back to the vessel under the roars of laughter from 
all on board. Very little things seemed now to amuse. 
On January 22nd and 23rd the pack-ice com- 
menced to screw violently, causing us much anxiety. 
The Southern Cross sighed and groaned under the 
heavy pressure brought to bear upon her. We made 
preparations to get out upon the ice in case we should 
lose the vessel, but the good ship proved equal to her 
TAKING EXERCISE IN THE PACK. 
task. On the night of the 23rd January she lifted 4 ft. 
bodily out of the water. Days and nights the screwing 
continued, crew and staff working energetically. 
On January 31st, 1899. Meridian altitude of sun 
