To add to the wall insulation the south and east sides of the hut are piled high with compressed forage bales, whilst the north side is being prepared as a winter stable for the ponies.

The stable will stand between the wall of the hut and a wall built of forage bales, six bales high and two bales thick.

This will be roofed with rafters and tarpaulin, as we cannot find enough boarding.

We shall have to take care that too much snow does not collect on the roof, otherwise the place should do excellently well.
Some of the ponies are very troublesome, but all except two have been running to-day, and until this evening there were no excitements.

After tea Oates suggested leading out the two intractable animals behind other sledges; at the same time he brought out the strong, nervous grey pony.