People, perhaps, still exist who believe that it is of no importance to explore the unknown polar regions.  This, of course, shows ignorance.  It is hardly necessary to mention here of what scientific importance it is that these regions should be thoroughly explored.  The history of the human race is a continual struggle from darkness towards light.  It is, therefore, to no purpose to discuss the use of knowledge; man wants to know, and when he ceases to do so, he is no longer man.—­NANSEN.

III.  THE PLATEAU FROM MOUNT DARWIN TO LAT. 87 deg. 32’ S.

First Sledge Second Sledge
SCOTT LIEUT.  EVANS
WILSON BOWERS
OATES LASHLY
SEAMAN EVANS CREAN

For the first week on the plateau Bowers wrote a full diary, which I give below.  After December 28 there are little more than fragmentary notes until January 19, the day the party started to return from the Pole.  From then until January 25, he wrote fully; nothing after that until January 29, followed by more fragments to “February 3rd (I suppose).”  That is the last entry he made.

But this is not surprising, even in a man of Bowers’ energy.  The time a man can give to writing under such conditions is limited, and Bowers had a great deal of it to do before he could think of a diary—­the meteorological log; sights for position as well as rating sights for time; and all the routine work of weights, provisions and depots.  He wrote no diary at the Pole, but he made a very full meteorological report while there in addition to working out sights.  The wonder is that he kept a diary at all.

* * * * *

From Bowers’ Diary

December 22. Midsummer Day. We have had a brilliant day with a temperature about zero and no wind, altogether charming conditions.  I rigged up the Upper Glacier Depot after breakfast.  We depoted two half-weekly units for return of the two parties, also all crampons and glacier gear, such as ice-axes, crowbar, spare Alpine rope, etc., personal gear, medical, and in fact everything we could dispense with.  I left my old finnesko, wind trousers and some other spare gear in a bag for going back.

The two advance parties’ weights amounted to 190 lbs. per man.  They consisted of the permanent weights, twelve weeks’ food and oil, spare sledge runners, etc.  We said good-bye and sent back messages and photo films with the First Returning Party, which consisted of Atch, Cherry, Silas and Keohane.  It was quite touching saying farewell to our good pals—­they wished us luck, and Cherry, Atch and Silas quite overwhelmed me.