Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/261

which at first we thought had been left by a sledge but afterwards proved to be that of a seal.

October 14.—The weather was much the same to-day as yesterday, but the surface was better. We pulled in shore to avoid heavy pressure which ran across our bows. A haze of snow crystals obscured the land, and this made the journey tedious and we were glad to camp, having done about 10 miles, but not I fear half that on our course. The prevailing ridges run about N.N.E.

October 15.—A fine morning, but cold wind from south. We turned out at 4.45 and for the first two hours made good progress. The sun came out quite hot and the wind dropped in the middle of the day, so that we were able to spend an hour over lunch. The mirage was wonderful, the pressure to the southward being seen inverted in the sky.

We came across more tracks, which I think must be seal. It is curious that we have seen no animals; I can only account for it by presuming that this is old ice with no cracks. Soon after 4 we had to cross pressure ridges, for though we had been dodging them since lunch, they now became so high we had to camp and re-pack sledges. We shall have to relay the sledges to-morrow, taking them over one at a time.

Distance about 10 miles, but not half that on our course. A clear but cold evening.

October 16.—I suppose every now and then we swallow a bit of bad meat, and whether from that reason or some other, I was very bad last night with cramp and pains in the stomach, and this morning I am feeling cold