ls off Hut Point and the west side of the Peninsula do not extend
more than a ship's length from the shore. Otherwise, except inside the
Islands, I believe the Sound to be free from such dangers.

In case you choose to wait in a spot somewhat remote from Hut Point I am
arranging to attract your attention in the following manner:--Very's
lights will be discharged and as large a flare as possible will be burnt
at Hut Point at midnight or noon (you will remember we are keeping time
for 180th meridian).

As large a flag as possible will be displayed on the skyline of the
heights near by, and attempts to heliograph with a looking-glass will be
made.

With a keen lookout for such signals you need not frequently approach the
Hut.

In the above I have referred to the young ice in the Sound only; there is
no means of knowing what is happening farther north, but I am of opinion
that as long as the "Terra Nova" is free to move in the Southern Bays,
she will have no great difficulty in leaving the Ross Sea.

You will understand that the foregoing remarks are intended as helpful
suggestions and that I do not wish them to interfere with your judgment
of the situation as it stands; above all, I would not have them to prompt
you to take a risk in detaining the ship beyond the time which you think
proper for her departure. I fully realise that at this critical time,
when gales are very frequent, your position will be beset with
difficulties, and I much regret that it is necessary to ask you to
undertake such an uncomfortable service.

Apart from, but concurrently with, the services which have been
discussed, I know that you will be anxious to help forward the scientific
objects of the Expedition. Having regard to your interests in such
matters, they also are left mainly to your judgment, and I wish only to
specify some lines on which any soundings taken would be especially
important.

These seem to be:

1. In the space occupied by the old Glacier Tongue (some two miles of
the Tongue was broken off last summer).
2. Across the Sound in one or two places to give a section of the
bottom elevations.
3. Across any fiords on the coast such as the Ferrar Glacier Inlet.
4. Off the end of ice tongues or the edge of ice walls.
5. Off the old pinnacled ice north of Black Island.
6. From a boat near the Barne Glacier.
7. From a boat around grounded bergs.

I have now to mention various matters of lesser import