However, we succeeded in making the hole sufficiently large to allow of
some few cases to come floating up. These were greeted with great
satisfaction, and later on, as we warmed to our work, other cases,
whose upward progress was assisted with a boat-hook, were greeted with
either cheers or groans according to whether they contained farinaceous
food or merely luxuries such as jellies. For each man by now had a
good idea of the calorific value and nutritive and sustaining qualities
of the various foods. It had a personal interest for us all. In this
way we added to our scanty stock between two and three tons of
provisions, about half of which was farinaceous food, such as flour and
peas, of which we were so short. This sounds a great deal, but at one
pound per day it would only last twenty-eight men for three months.
Previous to this I had reduced the food allowance to nine and a half
ounces per man per day. Now, however, it could be increased, and "this
afternoon, for the first time for ten days, we knew what it was to be
really satisfied."
I had the sledges packed in readiness with the special sledging
rations in case of a sudden move, and with the other food, allowing
also for prospective seals and penguins, I calculated a dietary to give
the utmost possible variety and yet to use our precious stock of flour
in the most economical manner.
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