Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/243

September 24.—We were able to start carrying meat, &c., down to the sledges to-day as it was fine. The weather the two previous days had been very bad. Browning has had another acute attack of dysentery and we cannot march until he is better.

On my way back from the sledges I saw some fresh guano on the sea ice, and looking about saw an Emperor penguin. I killed it and we carried it up to the hut; I hope it may do Browning good, as the seal meat certainly does not agree with him. We are all ready to start now as soon as he is fit to walk, but it is blowing a gale to-night.

September 27.—Still blowing, but clear. We found two seals up under the lee of some pressure, and killed one for extra meat; the other was the first we have been able to let go since the last autumn.

September 28.—Strong south-west wind and overcast in the morning, clearing and coming out finer in the late noon. Priestley saw six Emperors. We got five of them. I was very glad to get these, as they seem to agree with Browning much better than seal. He has been bad again and is getting pessimistic about himself.

September 29.—Overhauled the sledge runners, scraping and waxing them. We also carried down all the equipment that was ready. We are taking the 12-ft. sledge and the 10-ft., the latter being fitted with iron runners, which will be a great help on sea ice. The weather was overcast, with north-west wind.

September 30.—A calm morning. As Dickason and Browning were both better we abandoned the igloo after breakfast. Carrying down the rest of our gear occupied