then another succeeded in clambering on to the sledge 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 Meares 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 delightfully mild.  Everything of importance is now ready for our start and the ponies improve daily.

Clissold’s work of cooking has fallen on Hooper and Lashly, and it is satisfactory to find that the various dishes and bread bakings maintain their excellence.  It is splendid to have people who refuse to recognise difficulties.

Tuesday, October 17.—­Things not going very well; with ponies all pretty well.  Animals are improving in form rapidly, even Jehu, though I have ceased to count on that animal.  To-night the motors were to be taken on to the floe.  The drifts make the road very uneven, and the first and best motor overrode its chain; the chain was replaced and the machine proceeded, but just short of the floe was thrust to a steep inclination by a ridge, and the chain again overrode the sprockets; this time by ill fortune Day slipped at the critical moment and without intention jammed the throttle full on.  The engine brought up, but there was an ominous trickle of oil under the back axle, and investigation showed that the axle casing (aluminium) had split.  The casing has been stripped and brought into the hut; we may be able to do something to it, but time presses.  It all goes to show that we want more experience and workshops.

I am secretly convinced that we shall not get much help from the motors, yet nothing has ever happened to them that was unavoidable.  A little more care and foresight would make them splendid allies.  The trouble is that if they fail, no one will ever believe this.