TORMENTED BY SAND-FLIES. 17Q 



covered with a rich layer of fat two inches 

 thick, afforded a luxurious breakfast. Having 

 put the remainder en cache, we proceeded on 

 our way, and when we had gained the top 

 of a hill Slave Lake was seen right before 

 us, hemmed in by mountains of considerable 

 magnitude and height. A craggy range to the 

 right determined the course of the Ah-hel- 

 dessy ; and many a steep rock and deep 

 valley between the lake and us, announced the 

 fatigue which was to be endured before we 

 arrived at our destination. But how can I 

 possibly give an idea of the torment we endured 

 from the sand flies ? As we dived into the con- 

 fined and suffocating chasms, or waded through 

 the close swamps, they rose in clouds, actually, 

 darkening the air : to see or to speak was 

 equally difficult, for they rushed at every un- 

 defended part, and fixed their poisonous fangs 

 in an instant. Our faces streamed with blood, 

 as if leeches had been applied ; and there was a 

 burning and irritating pain, followed by imme- 

 diate inflammation, and producing giddiness, 

 which almost drove us mad. Whenever we 

 halted, which the nature of tire country com- 

 pelled us to do often, the men, even Indians, 

 threw themselves on their faces, and moaned 

 with pain and agony. My arms being less en- 

 cumbered, I defended myself in some degree by 



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