232 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [November 
as Nunatakker — or Nunakoller as I prefer to term these 
smoothed rock outcrops, for tak means a peak. 
The next morning (22nd) we had to cross a bay about 
six miles wide. As we lugged our heavy sledge close to 
the numerous seals they would raise their heads and gaze 
superciliously at us, then roll over on the other side and 
go off to sleep again ; no doubt much preferring their own 
lot in life. 
Returning from the first trip we felt a strong southerly 
wind. I decided to try our sail as the wind was dead 
behind us and as there was no drift. 
Forde superintended the rigging of our ice-yacht. The 
mast consisted of four of the tent poles, the other two 
going across and forming yards. The leather ^ bucket ' 
uniting the poles formed a sort of pulley over which the 
main halyard was passed. Two sheets to the poop (as I 
suppose the rear of the sledge yacht should be called) 
kept the sail steady. These terms are probably not used 
in their strict nautical sense ! 
We had a great job to start the two sledges — for as 
usual after waiting a short time the runners froze to the 
surface. However, Debenham ' broke her out,' the sail 
filled, and when we once got going we found the half-ton 
quite manageable. 
We felt we were progressing at racing speed when we 
accomplished a mile in forty-five minutes with both 
sledges, which before had taken two hours. But needless 
to say we had to pull with all our strength at the same 
time, though the wind must have almost accounted for one 
of the sledges. The miles piled up and we did 6\ 
