THE RAT IN THE INSECT-BOX. 
61 
mined, therefore, to remove him to the berth Eiley 
has vacated as soon as we can purify and dry it for 
him. 
“ In clearing out Eiley’s bunk, we found that a rat 
had built his nest in my insect-box, destroying all our 
specimens. This is a grave loss; for, besides that they 
Avere light of carriage, and might therefore have accom¬ 
panied us in the retreat Avhich iioav seems inevitable, 
they comprised our entire collection, and, though feAV 
in numbers, were rich for this stinted region. I had 
many spiders and bees. He is welcome to the whole 
of them, liOAvever, if I only catch him the fatter for 
the ration. 
“ March 9, Friday.—Strength going. It was Avith a 
feeling almost of dismay that I found how difficult it 
Avas to get through the day’s labors,—Bonsall and my¬ 
self the sole Avorkers. After cleansing below, dressing 
and performing the loathsome duties of a nurse to the 
sick, cutting ice, cooking and serving messes, Ave could 
hardly go further. 
“I realize fully the moral effects of an unbroken 
routine: systematic order once broken in upon, dis¬ 
comfort, despondency, and increase of disease must 
folloAV of course. It Aveighed heavily on my spirit 
to-day Avhen I found my one comrade and myself Avere 
barely able to cut the necessary fuel. The hour of 
routine-nightfall finds us both stiff and ill at ease. 
Having to keep the night-watch until 6 a.m., I have 
plenty of time to revolve my most uncomfortable 
thoughts. 
