xtremities. The ice on the
lake was still six or seven feet thick and there was no appearance of its
decay except near the edges and, as it was evident that, by remaining
here until it should be removed, we might lose every prospect of success
in our undertaking, I determined on dragging our stores along its surface
until we should come to a part of the river where we could embark, and
directions were given this evening for each man to prepare a train for
the conveyance of his portion of the stores. I may remark here, as a
proof of the strong effect of radiation from the earth in melting the
ice, that the largest holes in the ice were always formed at the base of
the high and steep cliffs which abound on the borders of this lake.

We found Akaitcho and the hunters encamped here but their families and
the rest of the tribe had gone off two days before to the Bethseeto, a
large lake to the northward where they intended passing the summer.
Long-legs and Keskarrah had departed to desire the Hook to collect as
much meat as he could against our arrival at his lodge. We were extremely
distressed to learn from Dr. Richardson that Akaitcho and his party had
expended all the ammunition they had received at Fort Enterprise without
having contributed any supply of provision. The Doctor had however,
through the assistance of two hunters he kept with him, prepared two
hundred pounds of dried meat, which was now our sole dependence for the
journey. On the following morning I represented to Akaitcho that we had
been greatly disappointed by his conduct which was so opposite to the
promise of exertion he had made on quitting Fort Enterprise. He offered
many excuses but, finding they were not satisfactory, admitted that the
greater part of the ammunition had been given to those who accompanied
the women to the Bethseeto, and promised to behave better in future. I
then told him that I intended in future to give them ammunition only in
proportion to the meat which was brought in, and that we should commence
upon that plan by supplying him with fifteen balls, and each of the
hunters with ten.

The number of our hunters was now reduced to five as two of the most
active declined going any farther, their father, who thought himself
dying, having solicited them to remain and close his eyes. These five
were furnished with ammunition and sent forward to hunt on the south
border of the lake, with directions to place any meat they might procure
nea