Pie im South Victoria Land. 91 
heavy snow-shutter outside. On the south-eastern 
side of this room, and to the left of the entrance, 
was a large square camp stove on four wheels, with 
a funnel worked through the roof, where thick asbestos 
packing was laid. A rough wooden table was fixed 
before the window with a wing running out at right- 
angles to the table at the window. On the ceiling 
were hanging guns, fishing tackle, knives, mittens, 
chains, and odds and ends. The bunks were closed 
after the plan followed by sailors on board whaling 
vessels, with a small opening, leaving yourself in an 
enclosure which can hold its own with our modern 
coffin ; and, like this, it is private ; for some minds it 
is absolutely necessary to be alone, out of sipht and 
entirely undisturbed by others. It was by special 
recommendation from the doctor that I made this 
arrangement and found that it answered well. In 
these small enclosures we had some books, our diaries, 
and several of us our writing materials. I myself did 
a good deal of my writing in my bunk during 
sleepless nights in the dark time, and so did the rest 
oi ie members. lo work at the table with nine 
hungry minds, starved by the monotony of the 
Antarctic night, glaring at you through nine pairs of 
eyes at once indescribably vacant and intense, was 
impossible. 
On the 23rd February we were suddenly inter- 
rupted in our work by a strong gale from the S.E. 
Wie sale increased and came on in a blizzard, and 
at 12 midnight, after consultation with Captain 
jensen, 1 ordered’ the шошо to be cut Several 
of the bravest and best of the crew attempted to 
ascend, but owing to the strength of the wind, and 
