eet and high steep
cliffs were numerous. Clusters of pines were occasionally seen in the
valleys. We put up at eight P.M. in a spot which afforded us but a few
twigs for fuel. The party was much fatigued and several of the men were
affected by an inflammation on the inside of the thigh attended with
hardness and swelling. The distance made today was six miles.

We started at ten next morning. The day was extremely hot and the men
were soon jaded; their lameness increased very much and some not
previously affected began to complain. The dogs too showed symptoms of
great weakness, and one of them stretched himself obstinately on the ice
and was obliged to be released from the harness. We were therefore
compelled to encamp at an early hour, having come only four miles. The
sufferings of the people in this early stage of our journey were truly
discouraging to them and very distressing to us, whose situation was
comparatively easy. I therefore determined on leaving the third canoe
which had been principally carried to provide against any accident to the
others. We should thus gain three men to lighten the loads of those who
were most lame, and an additional dog for each of the other canoes. It
was accordingly properly secured on a stage erected for the purpose near
the encampment. Dried meat was issued for supper but in the course of the
evening the Indians killed two deer for which we immediately sent.

The channel of the lake through which we had passed today was bounded on
both sides by islands of considerable height, presenting bold and rugged
scenery. We were informed by our guide that a large body of the lake lies
to the northward of a long island which we passed.

Another deer was killed next morning but, as the men breakfasted off it
before they started, the additional weight was not materially felt. The
burdens of the men being considerably lightened by the arrangements of
last evening, the party walked at the rate of one mile and three-quarters
an hour until the afternoon, when our pace was slackened as the ice was
more rough and our lame companions felt their sores very galling. At noon
we passed a deep bay on the south side which is said to receive a river.
Throughout the day's march the hills on each side of the lake bore a
strong resemblance in height and form to those about Fort Enterprise. We
encamped on the north main shore among some spruce trees, having walked
eight miles and a half. Three or four fish we