89 
covered with loose boulders, while between, lakes occupy the low 
ground ; a fine grass thinly shows amongst the moss, rather like bunch 
grass ; wood now and then in sheltered places." On the 3rd June they 
succeeded in getting among the caribou, and the journey was resumed. 
" June 3rd. Made a small portage to Bear Head Lake. Travelled 
in the night on account of the heavy thaw. Camped about midnight. 
" June 4th. Were obliged to pass the day in the same place on 
account of the heavy thaw. Since the caribou are apparently in more 
numbers to the east of the track we have been following, the Indians 
have decided to break off and cross to Capt. Blanc's route or Stewart 
and Anderson's track. The endless chain of lakes which intersect the 
barren, stony ridges, enables one to take any direction. 
" June 5th. Shifted camp across the lake to get wood, having burnt 
up all around this camp. Snow drifting like mid-winter. Found a fine 
clump of pines in which to camp. The lake is about two miles and a 
half wide at this point. 
" June 6th. Shifted camp a couple of miles to the end of Bear 
Head Lake. This is a lake I should say of about 10 or 12 miles in 
length, and of about two miles in width. Surrounding country still of 
rolling, broken ridges. The party remained in same camp till June 9th. 
Some further notes of the surrounding country observed on<.their hunt- 
ing excursions are added. The country still the same as that to the 
west. Rolling ridges, broken rocks and loose stones, often of immense 
size balanced on a few smaller ones, are a very common feature. The 
ground is covered with several kinds of mosses, and a small plant bear- 
ing a small black berry. Cranberries are also to be found in the swamps, 
where there is also a short grass with a thin, round blade. Wood is 
getting scarce, and only to be found in sheltered spots. 
"June 9th. Off this morning and made probably 8 miles. Course, 
N. E , to strike Capt. Blanc's track, first on two small lakes and then 
on a long one^ in appearance like a river, at the end of this we camped. 
After dinner we all started off hunting. The country still of the same 
appearance, but not a single stick of wood did I sec. Noticed mica in 
small quantities, of a poor quality. The rocks are of small sizes, being 
split up by the frost and other causes. 
