ion] EFFECTS OF LACK OF LIGHT 355 
the wind comes up with a rush to fade in an hour or two. 
Clouds chase over the sky in similar fashion : the moon 
has dipped during daylight hours, and so one way and 
another there is little to attract one out of doors. 
Yet we are only nine days off the ' light value ' of the 
day when we left off football — I hope we shall be able to 
recommence the game in that time. 
I am glad that the light is coming, for more than one 
reason. The gale and consequent inaction not only 
affected the ponies, Ponting is not very fit as a consequence 
— his nervous temperament is of the quality to take this 
wintering experience badly — Atkinson has some difficulty 
in persuading him to take exercise — he managed only by 
dragging him out to his own work, digging holes in the ice. 
Taylor is another backslider in the exercise line and is not 
looking well. If we can get these people to run about at 
football all will be well. Anyway, the return of the light 
should cure all ailments physical and mental. 
Tuesday, July 18. — A very brilliant red sky at noon 
to-day and enough light to sec one's way about. 
This fleeting hour of light is very pleasant, but of 
course dependent on a clear sky, very rare. Went round 
the outer berg in the afternoon ; it was all I could do 
to keep up with ' Snatchcr ' on the homeward round — 
speaking well for his walking powers. 
Wednesday, July 19. — Again calm and pleasant. The 
temperature is gradually falling down to -35 0 . Went 
out to the old working crack * north of Inaccessible Island 
* I.e. a crack which leaves the ice free to move with the move- 
ments of the sea beneath. 
2 A 2 
