398 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



for that distinguished philanthropist and christian. Messrs. Back and 

 Hood took beautiful sketches of this majestic scene, which are 

 combined in the annexed plate. 



The river being surveyed from the summit of a hill, above these 

 falls, appeared so rapid and shallow, that it seemed useless to 

 attempt proceeding any farther in the large canoes. I therefore 

 determined on constructing out of their materials two smaller ones 

 of sufficient size to contain three persons, for the purpose of crossing 

 any river that might obstruct our progress. This operation was 

 accordingly commenced, and by the 31st both the canoes being 

 finished, we prepared for our departure on the following day. 



The leather which had been preserved for making shoes was 

 equally divided among the men, two pairs of flannel socks were given 

 to each person, and such articles of warm clothing as remained, were 

 issued to those who most required them. They were also furnished 

 with one of the officers' tents. This being done, I communicated to 

 the men my intention of proceeding in as direct a course as possible 

 to the part of Point Lake, opposite to our spring encampment, 

 which was only distant one hundred and forty-nine miles in a 

 straight line. They received the communication cheerfully, con- 

 sidered the journey to be short, and left me, in high spirits, to 

 arrange their own packages. The stores, books, &c, which were not 

 absolutely necessary to be carried, were then put up in boxes to be 



left en cache here, in order that the men's burdens might be as light 

 as possible. 



The next morning was warm, and very fine. Every one was on 

 the alert at an early hour, being anxious to commence the journey. 

 Our luggage consisted of ammunition, nets, hatchets, ice chisels, 

 astronomical instruments, clothing, blankets, three kettles, and 

 the two canoes, which were each carried by one man. The 

 officers carried such a portion of their own things as their strength 

 would permit ; the weight carried by each man was about ninety 



