i 9 ii] ON MOTOR SLEDGING 321 
candle-light. The majority of candles are extinguished 
by midnight, and the night watchman alone remains 
awake to keep his vigil by the light of an oil lamp. 
Day after day passes in this fashion. It is not a very 
active life perhaps, but certainly not an idle one. Few of 
us sleep more than eight hours out of the twenty-four. 
On Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning some extra 
bathing takes place ; chins are shaven, and perhaps clean 
garments donned. Such signs, with the regular Service 
on Sunday, mark the passage of the weeks. 
To-night Day has given us a lecture on his motor 
sledge. He seems very hopeful of success, but I fear is 
rather more sanguine in temperament than his sledge is 
reliable in action. I wish I could have more confidence 
in his preparations, as he is certainly a delightful 
companion. 
Tuesday, June 20. — Last night the temperature fell 
to - 36 0 , the lowest we have had this year. On the Ramp 
the minimum was - 31 0 , not the first indication of a 
reversed temperature gradient. We have had a calm 
day, as is usual with a low thermometer. 
It was very beautiful out of doors this morning ; as 
the crescent moon was sinking in the west, Erebus showed 
a heavy vapour cloud, showing that the quantity is affected 
by temperature rather than pressure. 
I'm glad to have had a good run on ski. 
The Cape Crozier Party are preparing for departure, 
and heads have been put together to provide as much 
comfort as the strenuous circumstances will permit. 
I came across a hint as to the value of a double tent in 
VOL. I. Y 
