2&0 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [May 
walking them fast and occasionally making them step 
backwards. 
Oates referred to the deeds that had been done with 
horses by foreigners in shows and with polo ponies by 
Englishmen when the animals were trained ; it is, he 
said, a sort of gymnastic training. 
The discussion was very instructive and I have only 
noted the salient points. 
Thursday, May 18. — The wind dropped in the night ; 
to-day it is calm, with slight snowfall. We have had an 
excellent football match — the only outdoor game possible 
in this light. 
I think our winter routine very good. I suppose 
every leader of a party has thought that, since he has the 
power of altering it. On the other hand, routine in this 
connection must take into consideration the facilities of 
work and play afforded by the preliminary preparations 
for the expedition. The winter occupations of most of 
our party depend on the instruments and implements, 
the clothing and sledging outfit, provided by forethought, 
and the routine is adapted to these occupations. 
The busy winter routine of our party may therefore 
be excusably held as a subject for self-congratulation. 
Friday, May 19. — Wind from the north in the morning, 
temperature comparatively high (about -6°). We played 
football during the noon hour— the game gets better as 
wc improve our football condition and skill. 
In the afternoon the wind came from the north, dying 
away again late at night. 
In the evening Wright lectured on i Ice Problems.' 
