LEAVE FORT RELIANCE. O55 



the neighbourhood of our residence must be 

 a miserable spot indeed. I was consequently 

 obliged to trust to chance for the safety of 

 the papers containing the observations, journal, 

 drawings, and survey. A platform was erected 

 in the hall, on which the remainder of our stores 

 were deposited, and carefully secured against 

 wet, and marauding wolvereens. Some things 

 were lowered into a cellar, the opening of which 

 was closed and nailed down. The stronger 

 boxes were piled into a heap, and covered with a 

 tarpaulin ; and a very small quantity of brandy, 

 which we were unable to take, though not un- 

 willing, had economy permitted, to drink, was 

 buried "full fathom five"— then, and not till 

 then, being considered safe from biped or quad- 

 ruped, Indian or bear. 



It now only remained to block up the win- 

 dows and doors ; which done, the four persons 

 remaining with me, including the guide, were 

 laden with burdens of ninety pounds each, and 

 two dogs, equipped with saddle bags, carrying 

 meat for the journey; and thus appointed, I 

 left Fort Reliance, accompanied by Mr. King, 

 a little past noon of the 7th June. 



