ion] THE WEAKEST PONIES RETURN 167 
of walking, and there is no doubt that some form of snow- 
shoe would help greatly. The question is, what form ? 
All the ponies were a little done when we stopped, but 
the weather is favourable for a good rest ; there is no 
doubt this night marching is the best policy. 
Even the dogs found the surface more difficult to-day, 
but they are pulling very well. Meares has deposed 
Osman in favour of Rabchick, as the former was getting 
either very disobedient or very deaf. The change appears 
excellent. Rabchick leads most obediently. 
Mem. for next year. A stout male bamboo shod with 
a spike to sound for crevasses. 
Sunday, February 12. — No. 1 1 Camp. 10 miles. 
Depot one Bale of Fodder. Variation 150 E. South 
True = N. 30 E. by compass. The surface is getting 
decidedly worse. The ponies sink quite deep every 
now and again. We marched 6j- miles before lunch, 
Blossom dropping considerably behind. He lagged more 
on the second march and we halted at 9 miles. Evans 
said he might be dragged for another mile and we went on 
for that distance and camped. 
The sky was overcast : very dark and snowy looking 
in the south — very difficult to steer a course. Mt. Dis- 
covery is in line with the south end of the Bluff from the 
camp and we are near the 79th parallel. We must get 
exact bearings, for this is to be called the 1 Bluff Camp ' 
and should play an important part in the future. Bear- 
ings : Bluff 36 0 13'; Black Island Rht. Ex. I have 
decided to send E. Evans, Forde, and Keohane back with 
the three weakest ponies, which they have been leading. 
