slopes.

In the first blizzard both wireless masts were broken down. Watson and
Kennedy managed to repair and re-erect one of the masts, but it was only
thirty-seven feet in height. Any final hopes of hearing wireless signals
were dispelled by the discovery that the case containing the detector
and several other parts necessary for a receiving-station were missing.

Watson had fitted up a splendid dark-room, as well as plenty of shelves
and racks for cooking utensils.

Kennedy was able to secure a series of observations on one of his term
days, but, before the next one, the tent he was using was blown to
ribbons.

CHAPTER XX THE WESTERN BASE--WINTER AND SPRING

On Easter Sunday, April 7, 1912, a furious blizzard kept us close
prisoners. To meet the occasion, Dovers prepared a special dinner, the
principal item being roast mutton, from one of the six carcases landed
with the stores. Divine service was held in the forenoon.

The blizzard raged with such force all Sunday and Monday that I dared
not let any one go out to feed the dogs, although we found, later, that
a fast of three days did not hurt them at all.

I now thought it time to establish a winter routine. Each member had his
particular duties to perform, in addition to general work, in which
all hands were engaged. Harrisson took charge of the lamps and checked
consumption of oil. Hoadley had the care of the provisions, making out
lists showing the amount the cook might use of each article of food,
besides opening cases and stowing a good assortment on convenient
shelves in the veranda. Jones and Kennedy worked the acetylene plant. In
connexion with this, I should mention that several parts were missing,
including T-pieces for joints and connexions for burners. However
Jones, in addition to his ability as a surgeon, showed himself to be an
excellent plumber, brazier and tinsmith, and the Hut was well lighted
all the time we occupied it. Moyes's duties as meteorologist took him
out at all hours. Watson looked after the dogs, while Dovers relieved
other members when they were cooks. The duty of cook was taken for a
week at a time by every one except myself. A night watch was kept
by each in turn. The watchman went on duty at 9 P.M., usually taking
advantage of this night to have a bath and wash his clothes. He prepared
breakfast, calling all hands at 8.30 A.M. for this meal at nine o'clock.
The cook for the week was exempt from all other work. In the ca