Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 1.djvu/854

558 surface here on our outward march. There is no doubt we are travelling over undulations, but the inequality of level does not make a great difference to our pace; it is the sandy crystals that hold us up. There has been very great alteration of the surface since we were last here—the sledge tracks stand high. This afternoon we picked up Bowers' ski —the last thing we have to find on the summit, thank Heaven! Now we have only to go north and so shall welcome strong winds.

Thursday, February 1.—R. 15. 9778. Lunch Temp. −20°, Supper Temp. −19·8°. Heavy collar work most of the day. Wind light. Did 8 miles, 4¾ hours. Started well in the afternoon and came down a steep slope in quick time; then the surface turned real bad—sandy drifts—very heavy pulling. Working on past 8 we just fetched a lunch cairn of December 29, when we were only a week out from the depôt. It ought to be easy to get in with a margin, having 8 days' food in hand (full feeding). We have opened out on the ⅐th increase and it makes a lot of difference. Wilson's leg much better. Evans' fingers now very bad, two nails coming off, blisters burst.

Friday, February 2.—9340. R. 16. Temp.: Lunch −19°, Supper −17°. We started well on a strong southerly wind. Soon got to a steep grade, when the sledge overran and upset us one after another. We got off our ski, and pulling on foot reeled off 9 miles by lunch at 1.30. Started in the afternoon on foot, going very strong. We noticed