rm and size, some being flat and large like
fields, others square and cornered like bastions or towers--here a
miniature temple with spires and minarets, there a crystal fortress with
embrasures and battlements; and, in the midst of these, thousands of
broken fragments, having all the varied outlines of the larger masses,
appearing like the smaller houses, cottages, and villas of this floating
city of ice.

"Oh how beautiful!" exclaimed little Edith, as her father led her and
Mrs Stanley towards the canoes, which floated lightly in the water,
while the men stood in a picturesque group beside them, leaning on their
bright red paddles.

"It is indeed, my pet," replied Stanley, a smile almost of sadness
playing around his lips.

"Come, George, don't let evil forebodings assail you to-day," said Mrs
Stanley in a low tone. "It does not become the leader of a forlorn hope
to cast a shade over the spirits of his men at the very outset." She
smiled as she said this, and pressed his arm; but despite herself, there
was more of sadness in the smile and in the pressure than she intended
to convey.

Stanley's countenance assumed its usual firm but cheerful expression
while she spoke. "True, Jessie, I must not damp the men; but when I
look at you and our darling Eda, I may be forgiven for betraying a
passing glance of anxiety. May the Almighty protect you!"

"Is the country we are going to like this, papa?" inquired Eda, whose
intense admiration of the fairy-like scene rendered her oblivious of all
else.

"Yes, dear, more like this than anything else you have ever seen; but
the sun does not always shine so brightly as it does just now, and
sometimes there are terrible snow-storms. But we will build you a nice
house, Eda, with a very large fireplace, so that we won't feel the
cold."

The entire population of Moose Fort was assembled on the beach to
witness the departure of the expedition. The party consisted of fifteen
souls. As we shall follow them to the icy regions of Ungava, it may be
worth while to rehearse their names in order as follows:--

MR. AND MRS. STANLEY and EDITH.
FRANK MORTON.
MASSAN, the guide.
DICK PRINCE, principal hunter to the party.
LA ROCHE, Stanley's servant and cook.
BRYAN, the blacksmith.
FRANCOIS, the carpenter.
OOLIBUCK, AUGUSTUS, and MOSES, Esquimau
interpreters.
GASPARD, labourer and fisherman.
OOSTESIMOW and MA-ISTEQUAN, Indian guides
and hunters.

The cr