Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/489

In August, with the gradual return of light, we were able to get about more and consequently took more exercise. A small ski slope was made running down from the rear of the Hut and also a small jump was fixed by Gran. On fine days there was a continual stream of men labouring slowly up the slope and making their way down again with varying success. The sea ice conditions still continued bad and there was some doubt now as to whether we should be able to make our way over the sea ice to Hut Point.

On August 12 for the first time we saw the sun's rays on the summit of Erebus and the smoke rising from the crater was painted a beautiful pink. One of the difficulties that we had to encounter for the next sledging season was the lack of sledge meters. We had only one left, but Lashly, our handy man, was trying his hand at the manufacture of another under the direction of Nelson. By means of a bicycle wheel and the front fork of a bicycle we got our lead and wheel, while the register was made from the meter attached to the dynamo. This looked exceedingly promising, and after it had been used over short distances gave very good results eventually. On