68 ISLE A LA CROSSE. 



by their own hands, to scare the animals into 

 the water, where they are more easily captured. 



July 17th. — We got to Isle a la Crosse, where 

 I made the necessary arrangements for the boats 

 receiving twenty bags of pemmican, some dogs, 

 and whatever might be further requisite for ex- 

 pediting their progress. Here, also, two new 

 canoes were at my disposal, having been pur- 

 posely made to prevent any disappointment in 

 conveying the stores to the north of Portage la 

 Loche, in case, as sometimes happens, there 

 should be only sufficient boats to carry the 

 trading supplies of the Company to their dif- 

 ferent posts. However, as my arrangements 

 with Mr. Charles had obviated every difficulty 

 in that respect, I had only to admire, and to 

 express my thanks for, such considerate fore- 

 sight ; and, having made the accustomed ob- 

 servations for the dip, force, &c, I left the 

 fort, and pursued my way. 



Keeping to the left of Clear Lake, we entered 

 Buffalo Lake, which, among a less rude and savage 

 people, would certainly have formed the theme of 

 many a legendary tale of " hair-breadth 'scapes," 

 from the mischief-loving genius that haunts its 

 shores. Few persons have ever completed the 

 long traverse of this deceitful lake, without being 

 favoured with a breeze that endangered their 

 lives. I had been caught before ; yet, from the 



