coast owing to the abnormal state
of the ice. Instead of being frozen for the winter, the whole Sound to
the north and west of Inaccessible Island was open water during July; the
ice was driven out by the exceptionally strong and frequent winds, and
there was little chance of a firm road forming for the spring. Under
these conditions officers and men unanimously supported the decision to
go South."

An important fact is noted by Atkinson which is worth including for the
guidance of future expeditions. Six new sledges came down per "Terra
Nova" from Messrs. Hagen of Christiania, with tapered runners--the
breadth of the runner in front being 4 inches, diminishing to 2 1/2 on
the after part of the sledge. Compared with our original 12-foot pattern
the new sledges contrasted to great advantage over the old. The idea
seems to be that the broad iron portion should run over and smooth the
track for the after tapered portion.

The sun returned after its four months' absence on August 23 and found
the little party in excellent health and cheerful spirits. The mules and
dogs had been carefully exercised to be ready and fit for the new journey
South. A depot was laid 12 miles south of Corner Camp in mid-October, and
another by the dogs soon after. On October 29 Wright, Nelson, Gran,
Lashly, Crean, Williamson, Keohane, and Hooper left with six mules,
sledges, and a considerable provision store to search for Captain Scott
and the Polar Party. Atkinson followed with Cherry-Garrard and Dimitri on
1st November, taking the best available dogs in two teams. Without any
great trouble they reached One Ton Camp on November 10, having joined
forces with the mule party. Atkinson notes that here he found, as we had
done before, an oil shortage from paraffin tins in the depot leaking,
although there was no hole discernible. Some stores had been spoilt in
consequence. On the morning of 12th November the party found what they
sought--Scott's tent, snowed up and presenting a cairn-like appearance.

From Gran's diary the following is taken:

"It has happened--horrible, ugly fate, only 11 miles from One Ton
Depot, Scott, Wilson, and Birdie. All ghastly. I will never forget it
as long as I live: a terrible nightmare could not have shown more
horror than this 'Campo Santo.' In a tent, snow covered to above the
door, we found the three bodies. Scott in the middle, half out of his
bag, Birdie on his right, and Uncle Bill on the lef