OF THE POLAR SEA. 



285 



receipts between the Companies and the Expedition, and sent every 

 thing before me to F ort Providence, I prepared for my departure ; 

 and it is but justice to the gentlemen of both parties at Moose- 

 Deer Island to remark, that they afforded the means of forwarding 

 our stores in the most cheerful and pleasant manner. 



March 5. — I took leave of the gentlemen at the forts, and, in the 

 afternoon, got to the fisheries near Stoney Island, where I found 

 Mr. M'Vicar, who was kind enough to have a house ready for my 

 reception ; and I was not a little gratified at perceiving a pleasant 

 looking girl employed in roasting a fine joint, and afterwards 

 arranging the table with all the dexterity of an accomplished 



servant. 



March 6. — We set out at day-light, and breakfasted at the Rein- 

 deer Islands. As the day advanced the heat became so oppressive, 

 that each pulled off his coat and ran till sunset, when we halted 

 with two men, who were on their return to Moose-Deer Island. 

 There was a beautiful Aurora Borealis in the night ; it rose about 

 N.b. W., and divided into three bars, diverging at equal distances as 

 far as the zenith, and then converging until they met in the opposite 

 horizon ; there were some flashes at right angles to the bars. 



March 7.— We arrived at Fort Providence, and found our stores 

 safe and in good order. There being no certainty when the Indian, 

 who was to accompany me to our house, would arrive, and my im- 

 patience to join my companions increasing as I approached it, 

 after making the necessary arrangements with Mr. Weeks respecting 

 our stores, on March the 10th I quitted the fort, with two of our 

 men, who had each a couple of dogs and a sledge laden with pro- 

 vision. On the 13th we met the Indian, near Icy Portage, who 

 was sent to guide me back. On the 14th we killed a deer, and gave 

 the dogs a good feed ; and, on the 1 7th, at an early hour, we ar- 

 rived at Fort Enterprise, having travelled about eighteen miles 

 a-day. I had the pleasure of meeting my friends all in good 



