96 DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY 



up to assist us, and, with the aid of the paddles, 

 the islands were gained by 11 a. m. They were 

 too numerous to be counted ; but most of them 

 were marked by small clumps of dwarf pine, 

 and the one on which we landed produced whor- 

 tleberries and cranberries. The rocks were 

 all granitic, being either grey with plates of 

 mica, or red felspar with quartz. From this 

 position I could see the Rein-deer Islands 

 and M'Kenzie's cape to the westward, a re- 

 markably high round rock with innumerable 

 islands to the northward, a clear horizon and 

 spots of land to the eastward, and the main 

 shore to the southward. Sending La Prise for- 

 ward, that I might more easily get my bearings 

 by having him as a mark, I followed myself 

 shortly afterwards, but in no very amiable mood, 

 having just discovered that either the bow or 

 steersman had left our only frying pan at the 

 last encampment, for the benefit of whoever 

 might find it. This was a matter of no small 

 consequence to me, who, however ready to rough 

 it on pemmican, had been enjoying prospectively, 

 for some days past, the rich rein- deer steaks 

 which the " barren grounds " were sure to 

 afford ; nor did the assurance of the interpreter, 

 who maintained that the "grillades" were just 

 as good done in a kettle, afford me much con- 

 solation. 



