374 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION 
[August 
shows a very slight increase of acidity — such was to be 
expected, and it is pleasing to note that there is no sign 
of scurvy. If the preserved foods had tended to promote 
the disease, the length of time and severity of conditions 
would certainly have brought it out. I think we should 
be safe on the long journey. 
I have had several little chats with Wilson on the 
happenings of the journey. He says there is no doubt 
Cherry-Garrard felt the conditions most severely, though 
he was not only without complaint, but continuously 
anxious to help others. 
Apropos, we both conclude that it is the younger 
people that have the worst time ; Gran, our youngest 
member (23), is a very clear example, and now Cherry- 
Garrard at 26. 
Wilson (39) says he never felt cold less than he docs 
now; I suppose that between 30 and 40 is the best all- 
round age. Bowers is a wonder of course. He is 29. 
When past the forties it is encouraging to remember that 
Peary was 52 ! ! 
Thursday, August 10. — There has been very little to 
record of late and my pen has been busy on past records. 
The weather has been moderately good and as before 
wholly incomprehensible. Wind has come from a clear 
sky and from a clouded one ; we had a small blow on 
Tuesday but it never reached gale force ; it came without 
warning, and every sign which we have regarded as a 
warning has proved a bogey. The fact is, one must 
always be prepared for wind and never expect it. 
The daylight advances in strides. Day has fitted an 
