I9M] CROSS THE OTHER PARTY 189 
sledge. We have a 10 ft., whilst the other party has a 
12 ft. ; the former is a distinct advantage in this case. 
It has been a horrid day. We woke to find a thick 
covering of sticky ice crystals on everything — a frost 
rime. I cleared my ski before breakfast and found more 
on afterwards. There was the suggestion of an early 
frosty morning at home — such a morning as develops 
into a beautiful sunshiny day; but in our case, alas! 
such hopes were shattered : it was almost damp, with 
temperature near zero and a terribly bad light for 
travelling. In the afternoon Erebus and Terror showed 
up for a while. Now it is drifting hard with every sign 
of a blizzard — a beastly night. This marching is going 
to be very good for our condition and I shall certainly 
keep people at it. 
Saturday , February 25. — Fine bright day — easy 
marching — covered 9 miles and a bit yesterday and the 
same to-day. Should reach Corner Camp before lunch 
to-morrow. 
Turned out at 3 a.m. and saw a short black line on the 
horizon towards White Island. Thought it an odd place 
for a rock exposure and then observed movement in it. 
Walked i£ miles towards it and made certain that it was 
Oates, Bowers, and the ponies. They seemed to be going 
very fast and evidently did not see our camp. To-day 
we have come on their tracks, and I fear there are only 
four ponies left. 
James Pigg, our own pony, limits the length of our 
marches. The men haulers could go on much longer, and we 
all like pulling on ski. Everyone must be practised in this. 
