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July i st. Started late on account of fog, but made the end of this 
nay, called Sandy Bay, which we have been following, and camped on a 
high bank of sand. Close by to the north of us, a range of sandy hills 
and banks runs east and west, at the foot of which a small stream, one of 
the sources of the Great Fish River, runs. The country in sight and 
surrounding, consists of prairie ridges, with most of the hollows occupied 
by small lakes. We have finished our sled work, and as our large canoe 
is in good condition, we are prepared for a trip down the river, having 
plenty of ammunition and fishing gear. We will probably have a few 
days delay where we finally part with the indians, getting shoes made 
and meat dried to cache along our route, to insure our way back. 
"July 2nd. Remained in camp at Sandy Bay, repairing canoes, 
dressing leather &c. 
" J u b' 3 r d- The indians with their small canoes, portaged to the 
south west, crossing a narrow lake on the ice, and then turned north- 
ward, and camped when they reached the river. Our men passed down 
by the small river, but had much trouble getting through, breaking the 
canoe shortly after starting, as the river was very shallow and full of 
stones. Seven portages had to be made, and much time spent follow- 
ing the open waters on the margin of the larger ice covered lakes, so 
that it was about two o'clock when they joined the camp. The camp on 
Sandy Bay is probably not over four or five miles from us here, in a 
straight line to the southeast. Among the rocks on the river bank, 
there are enough dry sticks foi firewood. No pines of any description 
are to be seen, nothing but willows ; but they grow to a good size for 
this quarter. The country is a rolling prairie, with more moss and 
stones, but less grass than the prairies south. The banks and bed of 
the stream, are stoney, widening out here and there into narrow lakes, 
connected by the river which is there generally rapid. 
"July 4th. Portaged the canoe over a bad part of the river, to a 
lake, around the edge of which there is a narrow passage. Striking 
inland, 1 crossed a couple of small streams falling into this river, and 
saw a large lake to the west. The country is grass covered ridges, with 
here and there, mostly on the margins of small lakes, piles of rocks. 
The course ol the river to-day, is about due north, on which we have 
