OF THE POLAR SEA. 215 
22d we parted from our hospitable friend, and 
recommenced our journey, but under the expec- 
tation of seeing him again in May ; at which time 
the partners of the Company usually assemble at 
Fort Chipewyan, when we hope the necessary 
arrangements for our future proceedings will be 
completed, We encamped at sunset at the end 
of fourteen miles, having walked the whole way 
along the river, which preserves nearly a true 
north course, and is from four hundred to six 
hundred yards broad. The banks are high, and 
well furnished with the liard, spruce, fir, alder, 
birch-tree, and willows. Having come nineteen 
miles and a half, on the 23d, we encamped among 
pines of a great height and girth. 
Showers of snow fell until noon on the follow- 
ing day, but we continued our journey along the 
river, whose banks and islands became gradually 
lower as we advanced, and less abundantly sup- 
plied with wood, except willows. We came up 
with an old Canadian, who was resting his 
wearied dogs during the heat of the sun. He 
was carrying meat from some Indian lodges to 
Fort Chipewyan, having a burden exceeding two 
hundred and fifty pounds on his sledge, which 
was dragged by two miserable dogs. He came 
up to our encampment after dark. We were much 
~ amused by the altercation that took place between 
7 
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