428 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [October 
as it flew by, till Oates, Bowers, Nelson, and Atkinson were 
all sitting on it. He tried to rid himself of this human 
burden as he had of the hay bales, and succeeded in 
dislodging Atkinson with violence, but the remainder 
dug their heels into the snow and finally the little brute 
was tired out. Even then he tried to savage anyone 
approaching his leading line, and it was some time before 
Oates could get hold of it. Such is the tale of Christopher. 
I am exceedingly glad there are not other ponies like him. 
These capers promise trouble, but I think a little soft snow 
on the Barrier may effectually cure them. 
E. R. Evans and Gran return to-night. We received 
notice of their departure from Hut Point through the 
telephone, which also informed us that Mcares had departed 
for his first trip to Corner Camp. Evans says he carried 
eight bags of forage and that the dogs went away at 
a great pace. 
In spite of the weather Evans has managed to complete 
his survey to Hut Point. He has evidently been very 
careful with it and has therefore done a very useful bit of 
work. 
Sunday October 15. — Both of our invalids progress 
favourably. Clissold has had two good nights without 
the aid of drugs and has recovered his good spirits ; pains 
have departed from his back. 
The weather is very decidedly warmer and for the 
past three days has been fine. The thermometer stands 
but a degree or two below zero and the air feels delight- 
fully mild. Everything of importance is now ready for 
our start and the ponies improve daily. 
