152 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
made slow progress through the deep snow. The 
task of beating the track for the dogs was so 
very fatiguing, that each of the men took the lead 
in turn, for an hour and a half. The scenery of 
the banks of the river improved as we advanced 
to-day ; some firs and poplars were intermixed 
with the willows. We passed through two creeks, 
formed by islands, and encamped on a pleasant 
spot on the north shore, having only made six 
miles and three quarters actual distance. 
The next day we pursued our course along the 
river ; the dogs had the greatest difficulty in 
dragging their heavy burdens through the snow. 
We halted to refresh them at the foot of. Stur- 
geon River, and obtained the latitude 53° 51’ 41’ 
N, This is a small stream, which issues from a 
neighbouring lake. We encamped near to Mus- 
quito Point, having walked about nine miles. 
The termination of the day’s journey was a great 
relief to me, who had been suffering during the 
greater part of it, in consequence of my feet hav- 
ing been galled by the snow-shoes ; this, how- 
ever, is an evil which few escape on their initia- 
tion to winter travelling. It excites no pity from 
the more experienced companions of the journey, 
who travel on as fast as they can, regardless of 
the pain of the sufferer. | 
_ Mr. Isbester, and an Orkney man, joined us 
