224 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [April 
passed both cones on the ridge on the west side. Caught 
a glimpse of fast ice in the Bays either side of Glacier 
as expected, but in the near Bay its extent was very 
small. Evidently we should have to go well along the 
ridge before descending, and then the problem would be 
how to get down over the cliffs. On to Hutton Rocks 
j\ miles from the start — here it was very icy and wind- 
swept, inhospitable — the wind got up and light became 
bad just at the critical moment, so we camped and had 
some tea at 2 p.m. A clearance half an hour later allowed 
us to see a possible descent to the ice cliffs, but between 
Hutton Rocks and Erebus all the slope was much cracked 
and crevassed. We chose a clear track to the edge of the 
cliffs, but could find no low place in these, the lowest 
part being 24 feet sheer drop. Arriving here the wind 
increased, the snow drifting off the ridge— we had to 
decide quickly ; I got myself to the edge and made 
standing places to work the rope ; dug away at the 
cornice, well situated for such work in harness. Got three 
people lowered by the Alpine rope— E. Evans, Bowers, 
and Taylor— then sent down the sledges, which went 
down in fine style, fully packed— then the remainder of 
the party. For the last three, drove a stake hard down 
in the snow and used the rope round it, the men being 
lowered by people below — came down last myself. Quite 
a neat and speedy bit of work and all done in 20 minutes 
without serious frostbite — quite pleased with the result. 
We found pulling to Glacier Tongue very heavy over 
the surface of ice covered with salt crystals, and reached 
Glacier Tongue about 5.30; found a low place and got 
