The condition now rapidly approaches unstable equilibrium, B C tending to rise, A B to descend.

Owing to lack of sun heat the effect will be more rapid in south than north and therefore the upset will commence first in the south.  After the first start the upset will rapidly spread north, bringing the blizzard.  The facts supporting the theory are the actual formation of a stratus cloud before a blizzard, the snow and warm temperature of the blizzard and its gusty nature.

It is a pretty starting-point, but, of course, there are weak spots.

Atkinson has found a trypanosome in the fish—­it has been stained, photographed and drawn—­an interesting discovery having regard to the few species that have been found.  A trypanosome is the cause of ‘sleeping sickness.’

The blizzard has continued all day with a good deal of drift.  I went for a walk, but the conditions were not inviting.

We have begun to consider details of next season’s travelling equipment.  The crampons, repair of finnesko with sealskin, and an idea for a double tent have been discussed to-day.  P.O.  Evans and Lashly are delightfully intelligent in carrying out instructions.

Sunday, June 11.—­A fine clear morning, the moon now revolving well aloft and with full face.

For exercise a run on ski to the South Bay in the morning and a dash up the Ramp before dinner.  Wind and drift arose in the middle of the day, but it is now nearly calm again.

At our morning service Cherry-Garrard, good fellow, vamped the accompaniment of two hymns; he received encouraging thanks and will cope with all three hymns next Sunday.

Day by day news grows scant in this midwinter season; all events seem to compress into a small record, yet a little reflection shows that this is not the case.  For instance I have had at least three important discussions on weather and ice conditions to-day, concerning which many notes might be made, and quite a number of small arrangements have been made.

If a diary can be so inadequate here how difficult must be the task of making a faithful record of a day’s events in ordinary civilised life!  I think this is why I have found it so difficult to keep a diary at home.

Monday, June 12.—­The weather is not kind to us.  There has not been much wind to-day, but the moon has been hid behind stratus cloud.  One feels horribly cheated in losing the pleasure of its light.  I scarcely know what the Crozier party can do if they don’t get better luck next month.

Debenham and Gran have not yet returned; this is their fifth day of absence.

Bowers and Cherry-Garrard went to Cape Royds this afternoon to stay the night.  Taylor and Wright walked there and back after breakfast this morning.  They returned shortly after lunch.

Went for a short spin on ski this morning and again this afternoon.  This evening Evans has given us a lecture on surveying.  He was shy and slow, but very painstaking, taking a deal of trouble in preparing pictures, &c.