Mackintosh had enough sledges, but the experience of the first journey with the dogs had been unfortunate, and there were now only four useful dogs left.

They did not make a full team and would have to be used merely as an auxiliary to man-haulage.
The scheme adopted by Mackintosh, after discussion with the members of his party, was that nine men, divided into three parties of three each, should undertake the sledging.

One man would be left at Cape Evans to continue the meteorological observations during the summer.

The motor- tractor, which had been left at Hut Point, was to be brought to Cape Evans and, if possible, put into working order.

Mackintosh estimated that the provisions required for the consumption of the depot parties, and for the depots to be placed southward to the foot of the Beardmore Glacier, would amount to 4000 lbs.