ionaries would act upon the noble maxim
of the greatest of the Apostles--"never to enter upon the sphere of
another man's labours,"--consequences so injurious would be avoided.
If they have not so much Christianity and good sense as to do so of
themselves, where there is the power, they should be compelled to do
it. The Company have the power, but are too much occupied with matters
which they deem more momentous, to waste a thought upon this.

CHAPTER XVI.

CONTINUATION OF THE VOYAGE--RUN SHORT OF PROVISIONS--DOGS'
FLESH--NORWAY HOUSE--INDIAN VOYAGEURS--ORDERED TO NEW CALEDONIA--LAKE
WINNIPEG--MACINTOSH'S ISLAND SUBMERGED--CUMBERLAND HOUSE--CHIPPEWEYAN
AND CREE INDIANS--PORTAGE LA LOCHE--SCENERY--ATHABASCA--HEALTHINESS OF
THE CLIMATE.

High winds detained us in camp on the 21st. The crews of two canoes,
having finished their last meal to-day, bartered some more of their
clothes for dogs. We reached a small outpost called Berens House on
the 23d, where we procured a couple of sturgeon, and a dog valued at
ten shillings, for which I gave my note of hand. I had a _preein_ of
this cynic mutton at breakfast; and could not help thinking it would
have made a most appropriate and _philosophical_ addition to the
larder of the wise man of the tub. The men, however, having been for
some time on short commons, seemed to relish it. We supped lightly
enough on the remainder of Mr. Clouston's bountiful supply, giving a
share to the men.

After a most tedious and miserable passage, we reached the outlet of
Lake Winnipeg on the 24th, and arrived next morning at Norway House.
Here the men were liberally supplied; and I found myself at breakfast
with a number of chief factors and chief traders, just arrived from
their respective districts, and on their way with their valuable
returns to York Factory. Captain Back was also here, having sent on
his men and baggage under the command of Dr. King, intending himself
to follow in a light canoe, after having forwarded his despatches to
Europe.

The day after my arrival, I was notified by one of the officials,
that it was arranged that I should pass the summer here, giving such
assistance to the gentleman in charge as might be required of me; and
that my future destination should be determined upon at York Factory.
I now passed my time very agreeably, having just enough employment
in the day-time to keep off _ennui_, and the company of several
gentlemen, and, what I thought still be