230 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



31° during the first three days, and that of the water in the river de- 

 creased from 49° to 44°. Several rein-deer and a large flight of white 

 geese passed to the southward. These circumstances led us to fear 

 for the comfort, if not for the safety, of our absent friends. On the 

 4th of September we commenced building our dwelling-house, hav- 

 ing cut sufficient wood for the frame of it. 



In the afternoon of September the 6th, we removed our tent to 

 the summit of a hill, about three miles distant, for the better ob- 

 serving the eclipse, which was calculated to occur on the next morn- 

 ing. We were prevented, however, from witnessing it by a heavy 

 snow-storm, and the only observation we could then make was to 

 examine whether the temperature of the atmosphere altered during 

 the eclipse, but we found that both the mercurial and spirit ther- 

 mometers remained steadily at 30° for a quarter of an hour previous 

 to its commencement, during its continuance, and for half an hour 

 subsequent to its termination ; we remarked the wind increased very 

 much, and the snow fell in heavier flakes just after the estimated 

 time of its commencement. This boisterous weather continued until 

 three P.M., when the wind abated, and the snow changed to rain. 



As there was now no immediate occasion for my remaining on the 

 spot, the eclipse being over, and the Indians having removed to 

 their hunting-grounds, Dr. Richardson and I determined on taking a 

 pedestrian excursion to the Copper-Mine River, leaving Mr. Wentzel 

 in charge of the men, and to superintend the buildings. On the 

 morning of September the 9th we commenced our journey, under 

 the guidance of old Keskarrah, and accompanied by John Hepburn 

 and Samandrie, who carried our blankets, cooking utensils, hatchets, 

 and a small supply of dried meat. Our guide led us from the top of 

 one hill to the top of another, making as straight a course to the 

 northward as the numerous lakes, with which the country is inter- 

 sected, would permit. At noon we reached a remarkable hill, with 



precipitous sides, named by the Copper Indians the Dog-rib Rock, 



