54 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [December 
provided the difference in the thickness of the cemented 
floes is not too great ; of course, young ice or even a single 
season's sea ice cannot become firmly attached to the 
thick old bay floes, and hence one finds these isolated even 
at this season of the year. 
Very little can happen in the personal affairs of our 
company in this comparatively dull time, but it is good to 
see the steady progress that proceeds unconsciously in 
cementing the happy relationship that exists between the 
members of the party. Never could there have been a 
greater freedom from quarrels and trouble of all sorts. 
I have not heard a harsh word or seen a black look. A 
spirit of tolerance and good humour pervades the whole 
community, and it is glorious to realise that men can 
live under conditions of hardship, monotony, and danger 
in such bountiful good comradeship. 
Preparations are now being made for Christmas 
festivities. It is curious to think that we have already 
passed the longest day in the southern year. 
Saw a whale this morning — estimated 25 to 30 feet. 
Wilson thinks a new species. Find Adelie penguins 
in batches of twenty or so. Do not remember having 
seen so many together in the pack. 
After midnight, December 23. — Steam was reported 
ready at 11 p.m. After some pushing to and fro we 
wriggled out of our ice prison and followed a lead to 
opener waters. 
We have come into a region where the open water 
exceeds the ice ; the former lies in great irregular pools 
3 or 4 miles or more across and connecting with many 
