242 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [April 
pull up to Castle Rock, sweated much. This sweating 
in cold temperature is a serious drawback. Reached Hut 
Point I p.m. Found all well in excellent spirits — didn't 
seem to want us much ! ! 
Party reported very bad weather since we left, cold 
blizzard, then continuous S.W. wind with - 20° and below. 
The open water was right up to Hut Point, wind absolutely 
preventing all freezing along shore. Wilson reported skua 
gull seen Monday. 
Found party much shorter of blubber than I had 
expected — they were only just keeping themselves supplied 
with a seal killed two days before and one as we arrived. 
Actually less fast ice than when we left ! 
Wednesday t April 19. — Hut Point. Calm during night, 
sea froze over at noon, 4^ inches thick off Hut Point, 
showing how easily the sea will freeze when the chance is 
given. 
Three seals reported on the ice ; all hands out after 
breakfast and the liver and blubber of all three seals were 
brought in. This relieves one of a little anxiety, leaving 
a twelve days' stock, in which time other seals ought to 
be coming up. I am making arrangements to start back 
to-morrow, but at present it is overcast and wind coming 
up from the south. This afternoon, all ice frozen last 
night went out quietly ; the sea tried to freeze behind 
it, but the wind freshened soon. The ponies were exercised 
yesterday and to-day ; they look pretty fit, but their 
coats are not so good as those in winter quarters — they 
want fatty foods. 
Am preparing to start to-morrow, satisfied that the 
