4,12 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



Soon after leaving the encampment we discerned a herd of deer, and 

 after a long chase a fine male was killed by Perrault, several others 

 were wounded but they escaped. After this we passed round the north 

 end of a branch of the lake, and ascended the Willingham Moun- 

 tains, keeping near the border of the lake. These hills were steep, 

 craggy, and covered with snow. We encamped at seven and enjoyed 

 a substantial meal. The party were in good spirits this evening at 

 the recollection of having crossed the rapid, and being in possession 

 of provision for the next day. Besides we had taken the precaution 

 of bringing away the skin of the deer to eat when the meat should 

 fail. The temperature at six P.M. was 30°. 



We started at seven next morning and marched until ten, when 

 the appearance of a few willows, peeping through the snow, induced 

 us to halt and breakfast. Re-commencing the journey at noon, we 

 passed over a more rugged country, where the hills were separated 

 by deep ravines, whose steep sides were equally difficult to descend 

 and to ascend. The annexed accurate delineation of the country 

 we then travelled over, and of the mode of getting our only food, 

 will convey to the reader a better idea of the toil and suffering we 

 experienced than any description of mine can do. 



The party was quite fatigued, and we encamped, having come ten 

 miles and three quarters. We observed many summer deer roads, 

 and some recent tracks. Some marks that had been put up by the 

 Indians were also noticed. We have since learned that this is a 

 regular deer pass, and on that account, annually frequented by the 

 Copper Indians. The lake is called by them Contwoy-to, or Rum 

 Lake ; in consequence of Mr. Hearne having here given the Indians 

 who accompanied him some of that liquor. They do not get fish 

 here. 



We walked next day over a more level country, but it was 

 strewed with large stones. These galled our feet a good deal ; we 

 contrived, however, to wade through the snow at a tolerably quick 



