to stay at Cape Evans for the second winter.

The same invitation is extended to yourself should you wish to see more
of this part of the continent.

We could not afford to receive more of your party.

Should you not have returned from your sledge trip in time to meet the
"Terra Nova" when she bears this letter, you will understand that the
choice of staying or returning is equally open to you when she returns in
March.

In this case it would of course be impossible for any of your party to
stay at Cape Evans.

Should you see Pennell in February and decide to return, you could remain
at your station till the ship sails north in March if you think it
advisable.

Being so much in the dark concerning all your movements and so doubtful
as to my ability to catch the ship, I am unable to give more definite
instructions, but I know that both you and Pennell will make the best of
the circumstances, and always deserve my approval of your actions.

In this connection I conclude by thanking you for the work described in
your report of February last. I heartily approve your decision not to
winter in King Edward's Land, your courteous conduct towards Amundsen,
and your forethought in returning the two ponies to this station.

I hope that all has been well with you and that you have been able to do
good work. I am sure that you have done everything that circumstances
permitted and shall be very eager to see your report.
With best wishes, etc.,

(Signed) R.F. SCOTT.

CHAPTER XII

SOUTHERN JOURNEY--MOTOR SLEDGES ADVANCE

On October 24, 1911, the advance guard of the Southern Party, consisting
of Day, Lashly, Hooper, and myself, left Cape Evans with two motor
sledges as planned. We had with us three tons of stores, pony food, and
petrol, carried on five 12 ft. sledges, and our own tent, etc., on a
smaller sledge. The object of sending forward such a weight of stores was
to save the ponies' legs over the variable sea ice, which was in some
places hummocky and in others too slippery to stand on. Also the first
thirty miles of Barrier was known to be bad travelling and likely to tire
the ponies unnecessarily unless they marched light, so here again it was
desirable to employ the motors for a heavy drag.

We had fine weather when at 10.30 a.m. we started off, with the usual
concourse of well-wishers, and after one or two stops and sniffs we
really got under way, and worked our loads clear of the Cape on to the