Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/440

of this invention. Naturally the maker, Petty Officer Evans, is very proud of it, but the other seamen hate it. However, we shall give it a good test now, likewise the ski-shoes, which I like immensely if they are the right size; if too big they are trodden down and spoilt very soon, but if too small one's toes get frost-bitten where the shoes pinch.'

Tuesday, September 12, 1911.—Blizzard continued till 8 a.m., when wind decreased to force 5; it however still continued to drift until 10 a.m., when wind dropped to force 3, weather overcast and snowing. Temperature −19°; the minimum for the night being −40°. The wind increased to force 6 with drift at 11 a.m., but by 2 p.m. it was fine enough to make a start, which we did in a biting cold wind. We built a good cairn here, but it was cold work.

We marched this day till 8.30 p.m., when it was very nearly dark and very misty. Surface bad after the blizzard; we covered 7 miles 783 yards (statute). Temperature on camping −46°.

September 13, 1911.—The diary continues: Having shivered in my bag all night, at 5 o'clock I told the others to get up, both of them being awake. We cooked a meal and prepared to scout for Corner Camp. On going out to take the meteorological observations found min. temp. −73·3°. Present temp. −58°. I don't think anyone was surprised, as it was very cold during the night. I got a glimpse of Observation Hill and the sun, and I found the bearing of the former was N. 70 W. instead of N. 68 W., so we struck S.S.W. for a short distance and then saw the