The lamps had all seen service with one or other of Captain Scott's parties, and they had not been in first-class condition when the sledging commenced.

The threatened failure of a lamp was a matter of grave moment, since a party could not travel without the means of melting snow and preparing hot food.

If Joyce took a faulty lamp past the 80ｰ S.depot, his whole party might have to turn back at lat.

81ｰ S., and this would imperil the success of the season's sledging.

He decided, therefore, to send three men back from the 80ｰ S.depot, which he reached on January 6, 1916.