I had considered the possibility of making a landing across the ice in the spring, but the hazards of such an undertaking would be too great.
The training of the dogs in sledge teams was making progress.

The orders used by the drivers were "Mush" (Go on), "Gee" (Right), "Haw" (Left), and "Whoa" (Stop).

These are the words that the Canadian drivers long ago adopted, borrowing them originally from England.

There were many fights at first, until the dogs learned their positions and their duties, but as days passed drivers and teams became efficient.
Each team had its leader, and efficiency depended largely on the willingness and ability of this dog to punish skulking and disobedience.
We learned not to interfere unless the disciplinary measures threatened to have a fatal termination.

The drivers could sit on the sledge and jog along at ease if they chose.