16 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [Dkcembkr 
Though we are not yet safe, as another gale might 
have disastrous results, it is wonderful to realise the 
change which has been wrought in our outlook in twenty- 
four hours. The others have confessed the gravely 
serious view of our position which they shared with me 
yesterday, and now we are all hopeful again. 
As far as one can gather, besides the damage to the 
bulwarks of the ship, we have lost two ponies, one dog, 
* io tons of coal/ 65 gallons of petrol, and a case of the 
biologists' spirit — a serious loss enough, but much less 
than I expected. i All tilings considered we have come 
off lightly, but it was bad luck to strike a gale at such 
a time/ The third pony which was down in a sling for 
some time in the gale is again on his feet. He looks 
a little groggy, but may pull through if we don't have 
another gale. Osman, our best sledge dog, was very 
bad this morning, but has been lying warmly in hay all 
day, and is now much better. i Several more were in a 
very bad way and needed nursing back to life.' The 
sea and wind seem to be increasing again, and there is 
a heavy southerly swell, but the glass is high ; we ought 
not to have another gale till it falls. 3 
Monday^ December 5. — Lat. 56 0 40'. — The barometer 
has been almost steady since Saturday, the wind rising 
and falling slightly, but steady in direction from the 
west. From a point off course we have crept up to 
the course itself. Everything looks prosperous except the 
ponies. Up to this morning, in spite of favourable wind 
and sea, the ship has been pitching heavily to a 
south-westerly swell. This has tried the animals badly, 
