at Cape Evans, and as is clearly desirable, the Scientific Staff will
remain to continue their work.

If fresh transport is brought by the ship, other members of the
Expedition will remain to work it, and it is probable that an attempt
will be made to cross the Barrier in a S.S.E.ly direction in 1912-13.

The ship must be prepared to return to the Sound in 1912-13 to relieve
those that remain for the second winter.

Details concerning past events can be learned from the bearers of these
instructions.

In all that follows I want you to understand clearly that you should
proceed in accordance with your judgment rather than the letter of these
instructions, where the further information you possess may cause it to
appear more expedient.

Subject to this condition I wish you to carry out the following
programme:--

I assume that you arrive at the rendezvous, Granite Harbour, on or about
January 15, and pick up the Western Geological Party as arranged.

The party will consist of Griffith-Taylor, Debenham, Gran, and Forde.

The first copy of this document may be found by you at the depot made by
this party on the Bluff at the entrance of the Harbour, but I hope that
Taylor himself will hand it to you.

In case the party should be absent it is well to quote Taylor's plan in
brief:

To November 10--Exploring along coast North of Granite Harbour.
November 14 to 28--Exploring coast and inland South of Granite Harbour.
December 8 to January 8-Exploring inland of Granite Harbour region.

Taylor will make every effort to return to Granite Harbour in time to
meet you, and should the party be absent you may assume that it has
probably been delayed inland. On the chance that it may have been cut off
you may proceed to search the coast in a Southerly direction if ice
conditions permit.

The time occupied in the search must be left to your judgment, observing
that the party will reach Granite Harbour with sufficient provision to
last till April, 1912, and should be able to work its way back to this
depot.

All things considered, I do not think you need be anxious about the
party, even if you find a search impracticable, having regard to your
future movements, and you will remember that the search will be more
easily prosecuted as the season advances.

Should the party be recovered at once, as is most probable, I wish you to
take it to Evans Coves, and land it without delay. The provisions carried
by the party shou