camp.

The wind had fallen off considerably, and in the brilliant sunshine it
was comparatively warm in the tent. The addition of the heat from
the primus stove, kept burning for an unusually long time during the
preparation of the meat, caused a thaw of drift-snow which became lodged
on the lee side of the tent. Thus we had frequently to put up with
an unwelcome drip. Moisture came from the floor also, as there was no
floor-cloth, and the sleeping-bags were soon very wet and soggy. As soon
as the cooking was finished, the tent cooled off and the wet walls froze
and became stiff with icy cakes.

At this time we were eating largely of the dogs' meat, to which was
added one or two ounces of chocolate or raisins, three or four ounces
of pemmican and biscuit mixed together, and, as a beverage, very dilute
cocoa. The total weight of solid food consumed by each man per day was
approximately fourteen ounces. Our small supply of butter and glaxo was
saved for emergency, while a few tea-bags which remained were boiled
over and over again.

The march commenced on December 28 at 3 A.M. in a thirty-mile wind
accompanied by light drift. Overhead there was a wild sky which augured
badly for the next few days. It was cold work raising the sail, and we
were glad to be marching.

Our faithful retainer Ginger could walk no longer and was strapped on
the sledge. She was the last of the dogs and had been some sort of a
help until a few days before. We were sad when it came to finishing her
off.

On account of the steep up grade and the weight of Ginger on the sledge,
we camped at 7.15 A.M. after only four miles one thousand two hundred
and thirty yards.

We had breakfast off Ginger's skull and brain. I can never forget the
occasion. As there was nothing available to divide it, the skull was
boiled whole. Then the right and left halves were drawn for by the old
and well-established sledging practice of "shut-eye," after which we
took it in turns eating to the middle line, passing the skull from one
to the other. The brain was afterwards scooped out with a wooden spoon.

On sledging journeys it is usual to apportion all food-stuffs in as
nearly even halves as possible. Then one man turns away and another,
pointing to a heap, asks "Whose?" The reply from the one not looking is
"Yours" or "Mine" as the case may be. Thus an impartial and satisfactory
division of the rations is made.

After the meal I went on cooking more meat so as to