390 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [August 
it blows hard this morning, but the sky is clear, the drift 
has ceased, and the few whale-back clouds about Erebus 
carry a promise of improving conditions. 
Last night there was an intensely black cloud low on 
the northern horizon — but for earlier experience of the 
winter one would have sworn to it as a water sky ; but 
I think the phenomenon is due to the shadow of retreating 
drift clouds. This morning the sky is clear to the north, 
so that the sea ice cannot have broken out in the Sound. 
During snowy gales it is almost necessary to dress 
oneself in wind clothes if one ventures outside for the 
briefest periods— exposed woollen or cloth materials be- 
come heavy with powdery crystals in a minute or two, 
and when brought into the warmth of the hut are soon 
wringing wet. Where there is no drift it is quicker and 
easier to slip on an overcoat. 
It is not often I have a sentimental attachment for 
articles of clothing, but I must confess an affection for my 
veteran uniform overcoat, inspired by its persistent utility. 
I find that it is twenty-three years of age and can testify 
to its strenuous existence. It has been spared neither 
rain, wind, nor salt sea spray, tropic heat nor Arctic cold ; 
it has outlived many sets of buttons, from their glittering 
gilded youth to green old age, and it supports its four- 
stripe shoulder straps as gaily as the single lace ring of 
the early days which proclaimed it the possession of a 
humble sub-lieutenant. Withal it is still a very long 
way from the fate of the 4 one-horse shay.' 
Taylor gave us his final physiographical lecture last 
night. It was completely illustrated with slides made 
