i6z SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [October 
the sledge, and was going ahead to reconnoitre, when I 
found we were on the edge of a steep slope about 20 ft. 
high, which went sheer down into a barranca. We had 
to get the sledges up the slippery slope again — no easy 
job— and try round. After about a mile we found a 
place we could cross, but the delays of roping up to 
prospect made our day's march small. Dickason is 
bad again. I suppose it must be the heavy pulling. 
Distance 6 miles. The weather thick, with slight snow. 
October 9.— I turned out to look at the weather at 
4 A.M. and found it snowing and so thick I could only 
just see the other tent. 
By 7 it was better though still thick, so after breakfast 
we started and steered a more easterly course to try and 
get out of this broken country. The light and surface 
were vile, while a cold westerly wind did not improve 
matters. We found ourselves in country just as bad, so 
steered due south and went straight ahead, but even 
going as cautiously as we could we nearly repeated 
yesterday's experience, stopping the sledge just in time 
on the edge of the cliff and having to work back up the 
slope and round. The wind had increased to a gale with 
drift to add to our discomfort. About 4 o'clock, however, 
the sun came out, the wind eased, and we got into better 
country. Just before camping, from the top of one of 
the ridges I got a view of the coast line south of the 
Drygalski, and the sea ice in Geikie Inlet, so I hope the 
worst of the Drygalski is past. Dickason is much better, 
but Browning is very bad again. We camped soon after 6, 
all very tired. Distance 6 miles. 
