Scotts Last Expedition Volume I | Page 8

seems a terrible ordeal for
these poor beasts to stand this day after day for weeks together, and
indeed though they continue to feed well the strain quickly drags down
their weight and condition; but nevertheless the trial cannot be gauged
from human standards. There are horses which never lie down, and all
horses can sleep standing; anatomically they possess a ligament in each
leg which takes their weight without strain. Even our poor animals will
get rest and sleep in spite of the violent motion. Some 4 or 5 tons of
fodder and the ever watchful Anton take up the remainder of the
forecastle space. Anton is suffering badly from sea-sickness, but last
night he smoked a cigar. He smoked a little, then had an interval of
evacuation, and back to his cigar whilst he rubbed his stomach and
remarked to Oates 'no good'--gallant little Anton!
There are four ponies outside the forecastle and to leeward of the fore
hatch, and on the whole, perhaps, with shielding tarpaulins, they have a
rather better time than their comrades. Just behind the ice-house and on
either side of the main hatch are two enormous packing-cases
containing motor sledges, each 16 × 5 × 4; mounted as they are several
inches above the deck they take a formidable amount of space. A third
sledge stands across the break of the poop in the space hitherto
occupied by the after winch. All these cases are covered with stout
tarpaulin and lashed with heavy chain and rope lashings, so that they
may be absolutely secure.
The petrol for these sledges is contained in tins and drums protected in
stout wooden packing-cases which are ranged across the deck

immediately in front of the poop and abreast the motor sledges. The
quantity is 2 1/2 tons and the space occupied considerable.
Round and about these packing-cases, stretching from the galley
forward to the wheel aft, the deck is stacked with coal bags forming our
deck cargo of coal, now rapidly diminishing.
We left Port Chalmers with 462 tons of coal on board, rather a greater
quantity than I had hoped for, and yet the load mark was 3 inches above
the water. The ship was over 2 feet by the stern, but this will soon be
remedied.
Upon the coal sacks, upon and between the motor sledges and upon the
ice-house are grouped the dogs, thirty-three in all. They must perforce
be chained up and they are given what shelter is afforded on deck, but
their position is not enviable. The seas continually break on the weather
bulwarks and scatter clouds of heavy spray over the backs of all who
must venture into, the waist of the ship. The dogs sit with their tails to
this invading water, their coats wet and dripping. It is a pathetic attitude,
deeply significant of cold and misery; occasionally some poor beast
emits a long pathetic whine. The group forms a picture of wretched
dejection; such a life is truly hard for these poor creatures.
We manage somehow to find a seat for everyone at our cabin table,
although the wardroom contains twenty-four officers. There are
generally one or two on watch, which eases matters, but it is a squash.
Our meals are simple enough, but it is really remarkable to see the
manner in which our two stewards, Hooper and Neald, provide for all
requirements, washing up, tidying cabin, and making themselves
generally useful in the cheerfullest manner.
With such a large number of hands on board, allowing nine seamen in
each watch, the ship is easily worked, and Meares and Oates have their
appointed assistants to help them in custody of dogs and ponies, but on
such a night as the last with the prospect of dirty weather, the 'after
guard' of volunteers is awake and exhibiting its delightful enthusiasm in
the cause of safety and comfort--some are ready to lend a hand if there
is difficulty with ponies and dogs, others in shortening or trimming

sails, and others again in keeping the bunkers filled with the deck coal.
I think Priestley is the most seriously incapacitated by
sea-sickness--others who might be as bad have had some experience of
the ship and her movement. Ponting cannot face meals but sticks to his
work; on the way to Port Chalmers I am told that he posed several
groups before the cinematograph, though obliged repeatedly to retire to
the ship's side. Yesterday he was developing plates with the developing
dish in one hand and an ordinary basin in the other!
We have run 190 miles to-day: a good start, but inconvenient in one
respect--we have been making for Campbell Island, but early this
morning it became evident that our rapid progress would bring us to the
Island in the middle of the