162 Intelligence Jrom the Land Arctic Expedition. 



water at Whale Island is, as Mackenzie states in his chart, fresh, 

 but a few miles from Garry's Island, which is 30 miles to 

 seaward, and out of sight of the other, it changes its colour and 

 taste. The mighty volume of waters which rolls down the Mac- 

 kenzie, carries shoals of sand and a brackish stream a long way 

 out. Captain Franklin did not join Dr Richardson and his 

 party before the 5th September last, at Port Franklin, in Bear 

 Lake, the navigation up the river being tedious, from the 

 strength of the current. The Sharpeyes or Quarrellers of Mac- 

 kenzie, who inhabit the lower parts of the river, resemble the 

 Esquimaux a good deal in their manners and language, and that 

 part of the tribe who live nearest the sea, were partially under- 

 stood by our Esquimaux interpreter. The Esquimaux being 

 at this season inland hunting the rein deer, were not seen, but 

 the Sharpeyes have promised to give them notice of our intend- 

 ed voyage next year. Every thing at present promises success to 

 our future operations. The boats sent out from England an- 

 swer admirably, and we are well provided with stores for the 

 voyage. During Captain Franklin's absence, Dr Richardson 

 surveyed this lake, which is about 150 miles long, extending 

 from Lat. QS" 10' Long. 123° 32^, where Fort Franklin is built, 

 to Lat. 67° Long. 119°, within TO miles of the nearest bend of 

 the Coppermine River, and about 85 miles from its mouth. 

 Garry's Island lies in Lat. 69° 29' Long. 135° 42', about 450 

 miles from the mouth of the Coppermine, and about 600 from 

 Icy Cape, distances which may easily be accomplished, even du- 

 ring the short period that the arctic sea is navigable for boats, 

 if no greater obstacles occur than were visible from the mouth of 

 Mackenzie's River. A canoe is to be deposited at the North 

 Eastern arm of this lake, by which the eastern party will save 

 200 miles of land journey on their return. — But a very cursory 

 view of the rocks was taken in the voyage down the river, as was 

 to be expected from the rapidity with which the party travelled. 

 The oldest rocks met with were in the portions of the Rocky 

 Mountains which skirt the river, and which are composed of 

 transition limestone. From that there is a very complete series of 

 formations down to the new red sandstone, exposed in various 

 parts. The rocks of the coal formation are particularly interest- 

 ing, from the strong resemblance the organic remains found in 



