It taught them how to take care of themselves under difficult conditions, how to defend themselves against the ever-present peril of frost-bite, how to get the greatest comfort and protection from their fur clothing, how to handle their valuable dogs and how to manage their Eskimo helpers so as to get the best results from their efforts.
An entry in Dr.Goodsell's journal is so typical of the chief troubles of any arctic sledging journey that it is worth repeating here.
"Have been utilizing the time," wrote Dr.Goodsell, "in trying to dry out stockings and boots.

It is extremely difficult to dry out stockings because of the cold and the necessity of economizing fuel.

The general procedure is to discard footgear when it is nearly saturated with moisture.

As long as the footgear is dry there is little danger of frosting the feet, if ordinary precautions are taken.

With wet footgear one is in constant danger of freezing the feet.