e likely to be found, it is
obviously desirable that your depot should be in this vicinity.

I approve your plan to employ your time thereafter approximately as
follows:

During what remains of the first fortnight of November in exploring north
of Granite Harbour.

During the last fortnight in November in exploring south of Granite
Harbour.

The only importance attached to the observance of this programme, apart
from a consideration of the work to be done, lies in the fact that in
case of an early break up of the sea ice and your inability to reach the
rendezvous, the ship is directed to search the coast south of Granite
Harbour.

You should act accordingly in modifying your plans.

It will certainly be wise for you to confine your movements to the
regions of Granite Harbour during the second week in January.

You will carry a copy of my instructions to the Commanding Officer of the
"Terra Nova," which you are at liberty to peruse.

This should be left at your depot and the depot marked, so that the ship
has a good chance of finding it in case of your absence.

You will, of course, make every effort to be at the rendezvous at the
proper time, January 15, and you need not be surprised if the ship does
not appear on the exact date. The Commanding Officer has been instructed
in the following words:

"I wish the ship to be at Granite Harbour on or about January 15....
No anxiety need be felt if she is unable to reach this point within a
week or so of the date named."

You are now in possession of all the information I can give you on this
point, and it must be left to your discretion to act in accordance with
unforeseen circumstances.

Should the ship fail to find you it is probable she will not make a
protracted search before going to Cape Evans to gather further
particulars and land stores; it is to be remembered also that an extent
of fast ice or pack may prevent a search of the coast at this early
season.

Should the ship fail to appear within a fortnight of the date named you
should prepare to retreat on Hut Point, but I am of opinion that the
retreat should not be commenced until the Bays have refrozen, probably
towards the end of March. An attempt to retreat over land might involve
you in difficulties, whereas you could build a stone hut, provision it
with seal meat, and remain in safety in any convenient station on the
coast. In no case is an early retreat along the coast to be attempted
w