i 9 n] UPPER GLACIER DEPOT 513 
We have risen a great height to-day and I hope it will 
not be necessary to go down again, but it looks as though 
we must dip a bit even to go to the south-west. 
; December 21, 191 1. Lat. 85 0 S. We arc struggling 
on, considering all things, against odds. The weather is 
a constant anxiety, otherwise arrangements are working 
exactly as planned. 
* For your own ear also, I am exceedingly fit and can 
go with the best of them. 
4 It is a pity the luck doesn't come our way, because 
every detail of equipment is right. 
' 1 write this sitting in our tent waiting for the fog to 
clear — an exasperating position as we are in the worst 
crevassed region. Teddy Evans and Atkinson were 
down to the length of their harness this morning, and 
we have all been half-way down. As first man I get 
first chance, and it's decidedly exciting not knowing 
which step will give way. Still all this is interesting 
enough if one could only go on. 
' Since writing the above I made a dash for it, got out 
of the valley out of the fog and away from crevasses. 
So here we are practically on the summit and up to date 
in the provision line. We ought to get through.' 
VOL. i. 
