OF THE POLAR SEA. 197 
belonged had collected, and to desire they might 
be sent for; the Indians having declined bringing 
either furs or meat themselves, since the oppo- 
sition between the Companies commenced. Mr. 
Back drew the portrait of one of the boys. 
Isle 4 la Crosse Lake receives its name from an 
island situated near the forts, on which the Indians 
formerly assembled annually to amuse themselves 
at the game of the Cross. ~ It is justly celebrated 
for abundance of the finest tittameg, which weigh 
from five to fifteen pounds. The residents live 
principally upon this most delicious fish, which 
fortunately can be eaten a long time without pro- 
ducing any disrelish. They are plentifully caught 
with nets throughout the year, except for two or 
three months. 
March 4.—We witnessed the Aurora Borealis 
very brilliant, for the second time since our de- 
parture from Cumberland. A winter encamp- 
ment is not a favourable situation for viewing 
this phenomenon, as the trees in general hide 
the sky. Arrangements had been made for re- 
commencing our journey to-day, but the wind 
was stormy, and the snow had drifted too much 
for travelling with comfort ; we therefore stayed 
and dined with Mr. Bethune, who promised to 
render every assistance in getting pemmican con- 
veyed to us from the Saskatchawan, to be in 
