i9ii] PONY PROSPECTS 119 
some time to fix up the many small fittings that different 
people require. 
I have been making arrangements for the depot 
journey, telling off people for ponies and dogs, &c.° 
To-morrow is to be our first rest day, but next week 
everything will be tending towards sledging preparations. 
I have also been discussing and writing about the provi- 
sions of animals to be brought down in the Terra Nova 
next year. 
The wind is very persistent from the S.S.E., rising 
and falling; to-night it has sprung up again, and is 
rattling the canvas of the tent. 
Some of the ponies are not turning out so well as I 
expected ; they are slow walkers and must inevitably 
impede the faster ones. Two of the best had been told 
off for Campbell by Oates, but I must alter the arrange- 
ment. 'Then I am not quite sure they are going to stand 
the cold well, and on this first journey they may have 
to face pretty severe conditions. Then, of course, there 
is the danger of losing them on thin ice or by injury 
sustained in rough places. Although we have fifteen 
now (two having gone for the Eastern Party) it is not at 
all certain that we shall have such a number when the 
main journey is undertaken next season. One can only 
be careful and hope for the best.' 
Sunday, January 15. — Wc had decided to observe 
this day as a c day of rest,' and so it has been. 
At one time or another the majority have employed 
their spare hours in writing letters. 
We rose late, having breakfast at nine. The morning 
