THE AURORA'S DRIFT 
returns August 23. The sea-ice should be fairly safe, and a 
party of three, with one month's rations, will proceed to Cape 
Evans. If the ice sets north and takes the ship clear of land, 
we will proceed to New Zealand, bunker, get extra officer and 
four volunteers, provisions, etc., push south with all speed to 
the Barrier, put party on to the Barrier, about two miles east 
of Cape Crozier, and land all necessary stores and requirements. 
The ship will stand ofE until able to reach Cape Evans. If 
necessary, party w^ll depot all stores possible at Corner Camp 
and go on to Cape Evans. If worst has happened my party 
will lay out the depot at the Beardmore for Shackleton. If 
the ship is released from the ice after September we must 
endeavour to reach Cape Evans before going north to bunker. 
We have not enough coal to hang about the Sound for many 
days. 
" May 28. — ^By the position obtained by meridian altitude 
of stars and bearing of Mount Melbourne, we have drifted 
thirty-six miles north-east from last bearings taken on 23rd 
inst. The most of this must have been during the blizzard of 
the 24th. Mount Melbourne is one hundred and eleven miles 
due north of us, and there is some doubt in my mind as to 
whether the peak w^hich we can see is tliis mountain. There 
may be a mirage. ... In the evening had the football out 
on the ice by the light of a beautiful moon. The exercise and 
break from routine are a splendid tonic. Ice-noises sent all 
hands on board. 
June 1. — Thick, hazy weather. In the afternoon a black 
streak appeared in the ice about a cable's length to the west- 
ward and stretching north and south. 8 p.m. — The black line 
widened and showed long lane of open water. Apparently we 
are fast in a floe which has broken from the main field. With 
thick weather we are uncertain of our position and drift. It 
will be interesting to find out what this crack in the ice signifies. 
I am convinced that there is open water, not far distant, in 
the Ross Sea. . . . To-night Hooke is trying to call up Cape 
Evans. If the people at the hut have rigged the set which was 
left there, they will hear ' All well ' from the Aurora, I hope 
they have. [The messages were not received.] 
313 
