60 THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE BY LAND. 



this year the buffalo had come up closer than usual, 

 the bulls being but one and the cows not more than 

 two days' journey distant. 



The night after our arrival snow began to fall 

 heavily, and continued most of the next day, covering 

 the ground to the depth of five inches. But Mr. Lillie 

 assured us that this could not be the commencement 

 of the winter, and would all rapidly disappear, to be 

 followed by several weeks of fine weather. And, in 

 accordance with this prediction, a thaw set in on the 

 following day. 



We had now decided, by La Eonde's advice, to go 

 into winter quarters amongst the peaceful Wood Crees 

 near White Fish Lake, about eighty miles N.N.W. of 

 Carlton, and situated on the borders of the endless 

 forest which stretches away to the northward. Here 

 we should find very good trapping grounds within 

 80 or 100 miles of the plains, and the buffalo, who 

 had already crossed the north Saskatchewan in great 

 numbers, might possibly advance within one or two 

 days' journey of our position. We therefore trans- 

 ferred our winter supplies to the Fort, and prepared for 

 an excursion on to the plains to run buffalo, before 

 finally establishing ourselves for the winter. 



Milton started with the carts next day ; but two 

 grisly bears having been seen the day before within 

 five or six miles of the place, Treemiss and Cheadle set 

 out at daybreak in search of them, intending to catch 

 up the carts, if possible, the same day. Directed by 

 some half-breeds, they rode on several miles, and then 

 came upon the tracks, which they followed for a con- 



