Part 12 (1/2)

I should like you to give him every facility you can for his work, but of course you will remember that he is an enthusiast, and in certain circ.u.mstances might undervalue his own safety or that of the s.h.i.+p. I don't want you to run risks to get pictures.

I have hitherto made no mention of Amundsen, as we have no news of him beyond that which you brought. The circ.u.mstances do not appear to me to make it inc.u.mbent on you to attempt to visit his station. But should the ”Fram” not have been heard of, or public opinion seem to point to the advisability, you are of course at liberty to go along the Barrier and to rearrange this programme as necessary for the purpose.

Finally, I wish you every sort of good fortune in the work that is to do, and better weather than you encountered last year. I am sure that you will do all that is possible under the circ.u.mstances.

(Signed) R.F. SCOTT.

II.--INSTRUCTIONS TO DR. G. C. SIMPSON.

MY DEAR SIMPSON,--In leaving you in charge of the Cape Evans Station I have little to do beyond expressing the hearty wish that all may be well with yourself and the other members of the Expedition remaining with you.

I leave in your charge a box containing instructions for the Commanding Officer of the ”Terra Nova” and other doc.u.ments which I wish you to deliver to the proper persons.

I think you are fully aware of my plans and wishes, beyond their expression in the various statements you have seen, and that it is needless to go further with written explanations.

As you know, it is arranged for Ponting, Hooper, and Anton to make a journey to the S.W. in December. Ponting will leave with you a written statement giving an outline of his intended movements. Later in the season he will probably visit Cape Royds and other interesting localities: please give him what a.s.sistance you can in his important work.

From time to time Meares may be visiting the station, and I hope that by this means, or through the telephone, you may receive information as to the progress of the Southern Party.

The thawing of the drifts in summer will have to be carefully watched and such measures as are necessary taken to avoid injury to the Hut and the stores. Cases should not be exposed to wet or tins to rust.

The breaking of the sea ice should be carefully watched, noted, and reported to Hut Point when possible.

Bowers will leave notes with you concerning store requirements and desirable expenditure. I antic.i.p.ate the s.h.i.+p may have some difficulty in reprovisioning the station. You will of course render all the a.s.sistance you can.

Details as to the improvement of the Hut for a second winter will become more evident as the season advances. In addition to the probable renovation of the stables I can only suggest the following points at present:

1. An extension or rebuilding of the entrance porch so that the outer door faces north. Regard must be had to the possibility of bringing sledges into hut.

2. A shelter extension to latrine.

3. The construction of an air-tight embankment or other device at the base of the hut walls to keep the floor warmer.

4. The betterment of insulation in your corner, and the provision of a definite air inlet there.

5. The caulking of small holes and slits in the inner roof.

6. The whale boat should be looked to and probably filled with water under advice from s.h.i.+p.

After departure of Southern Party all mattresses and bedding should be rolled up, and as opportunity occurs they should be thoroughly dried in the sun.

You will remember that as the summer advances certain places in the solid floe become dangerously weak. It should be well to keep watch on such places, especially should they occur on the road to Hut Point, over which parties may be travelling at any time. It is probable there will be a rearrangement of the currents in the region of Tent Island since the breaking of the Glacier Tongue.

(Signed) R.F. Scott.

III.--INSTRUCTIONS LEADER OF WESTERN PARTY.

1911.

The objects of your journey have been discussed, and need not here be particularised. In general they comprise the Geological exploration of the coast of Victoria Land.

Your party will consist of Debenham, Gran, and Forde, and you will cross the Sound to b.u.t.ter Point on or about October.

You will depart from b.u.t.ter Point with provision as under: