290 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION 
[May 
question. He went through with it manfully and with a 
touch of humour much appreciated ; whereas, for instance, 
he deduced facts from 1 the equivalent of Mr. Joule, a 
gentleman whose statements he had no reason to doubt.' 
Wilson was the mainstay of the subsequent discussion 
and put all doubtful matters in a clearer light. * Increase 
your fats (carbohydrate) * is what science seems to say, 
and practice with conservativism is inclined to step 
cautiously in response to this urgence. I shall, of course, 
go into the whole question as thoroughly as available 
information and experience permits. Meanwhile it is 
useful to have had a discussion which aired the popular 
opinions. 
Feeling went deepest on the subject of tea versus 
cocoa ; admitting all that can be said concerning stimu- 
lation and reaction, I am inclined to see much in favour 
of tea. Why should not one be mildly stimulated during 
the marching hours if one can cope with reaction by 
profounder rest during the hours of inaction ? 
Sunday, May 28. — Quite an excitement last night. 
One of the ponies (the grey which I led last year and 
salved from the floe) either fell or tried to lie down in his 
stall, his head being lashed up to the stanchions on either 
side. In this condition he struggled and kicked till his 
body was twisted right round and his attitude extremely 
uncomfortable. Very luckily his struggles were heard 
almost at once, and his head ropes being cut, Oates got 
him on his feet again. He looked a good deal distressed 
at the time, but is now quite well again and has been out 
for his usual exercise. 
