arly in January
1913 and the time at our disposal for exploration was slipping away
rapidly.

The investigation by sledging journeys of the coastline to the eastward
was regarded as of prime importance, for our experience in the 'Aurora'
when in those longitudes during the previous year was such as to give
little promise of its ever being accomplished from the sea.

Westward, the coast was accessible from the sea; at least for some
distance in that direction. Madigan's journey in the springtime had
demonstrated that, if anything, the land to the west was steeper, and
consequently more windy conditions might be expected there. Further, it
was judged that information concerning this region would be forthcoming
from the ship, which had cruised westward after leaving Adelie Land in
January 1912. The field in that direction was therefore not so promising
as that to the east.

On this account the air-tractor sledge, of somewhat doubtful utility,
was detailed for use to the westward of Winter Quarters, and, as it
was obvious that the engine could only be operated in moderately good
weather, its final departure was postponed until December.

The following is a list of the parties which had been arranged and
which, now fully equipped, were on the tiptoe of expectation to depart.

(1) A Southern Party composed of Bage (leader), Webb and Hurley. The
special feature of their work was to be magnetic observations in the
vicinity of the South Magnetic Pole.

(2) A Southern Supporting Party, including Murphy (leader), Hunter and
Laseron, who were to accompany the Southern Party as far as possible,
returning to Winter Quarters by the end of November.

(3) A Western Party of three men--Bickerton (leader), Hodgeman and
Whetter--who were to traverse the coastal highlands west of the Hut.
Their intention was to make use of the air-tractor sledge and the
departure of the party was fixed for early December.

(4) Stillwell, in charge of a Near Eastern Party, was to map the
coastline between Cape Denison and the Mertz Glacier-Tongue, dividing
the work into two stages. In the first instance, Close and Hodgeman were
to assist him; all three acting partly as supports to the other eastern
parties working further afield. After returning to the Hut at the end
of November for a further supply of stores, he was to set out again with
Close and Laseron in order to complete the work.

(5) An Eastern Coastal Party composed of Madigan (leader), Mc