and along the sea-coast (except those for the dip and variation). I
was in the habit of carrying it strapped across my shoulders but had
taken it off on entering the canoe to reduce the upper weight. The
results of most of the observations for latitude and longitude had been
registered in the sketch-books so that we preserved the requisites for
the construction of the chart. The meteorological observations not having
been copied were lost. My companions, Dr. Richardson, Mr. Back, and Mr.
Hood, had been so careful in noting every occurrence in their journals
that the loss of mine could fortunately be well supplied. These friends
immediately offered me their documents and every assistance in drawing up
another narrative, of which kindness I availed myself at the earliest
opportunity afterwards.

September 15.

The rest of the party were brought across this morning and we were
delighted to find Belanger so much recovered as to be able to proceed,
but we could not set out until noon as the men had to prepare substitutes
for the slings which were lost yesterday. Soon after leaving the
encampment we discerned a herd of deer and after a long chase a fine male
was killed by Perrault, several others were wounded but they escaped.
After this we passed round the north end of a branch of the lake and
ascended the Willingham Mountains, keeping near the border of the lake.
These hills were steep, craggy, and covered with snow. We encamped at
seven and enjoyed a substantial meal. The party were in good spirits this
evening at the recollection of having crossed the rapid and being in
possession of provision for the next day. Besides we had taken the
precaution of bringing away the skin of the deer to eat when the meat
should fail. The temperature at six P.M. was 30 degrees.

We started at seven next morning and marched until ten when the
appearance of a few willows peeping through the snow induced us to halt
and breakfast. Recommencing the journey at noon we passed over a more
rugged country where the hills were separated by deep ravines whose steep
sides were equally difficult to descend and to ascend, and the toil and
suffering we experienced were greatly increased.

The party was quite fatigued when we encamped, having come ten miles and
three-quarters. We observed many summer deer roads and some recent
tracks. Some marks that had been put up by the Indians were also noticed.
We have since learned that this is a regular deer pas