OF THE POLAR SEA. 217 
in canoes with the lake. It is a narrow and ser- 
pentine stream, confined between alluvial banks 
which support pines, poplars, and willows. We 
had not advanced far before we came up with the 
two men despatched by us this morning. The 
stormy weather had compelled them to encamp, 
as there was too much drifting of the snow for 
any attempt being made to cross the lake. We, 
were obliged, though most reluctantly, to follow 
their example; but comforted ourselves with 
the reflection that this was the first time we had 
been stopped by the weather during our long 
journey, which was so near at an end. The gale 
afterwards increased, the squalls at night became 
. very violent, disburthened the trees of the snow, 
and gave us the benefit of a continual fall of 
patches from them, in addition to the constant 
shower. We therefore quickly despatched our 
suppers, and retired under the shelter of our 
blankets. 
March 26.—The boisterous weather continued 
through the night, and it was not before six this 
morning that the wind became apparently mo- 
derate, and the snow ceased. Two of the Cana- 
dians were immediately sent off with letters to 
the gentlemen at Fort Chipewyan. After break- 
fast we also started, but our Indian friend, having 
‘a great indisposition to move in such weather, 
