274 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
or the mild beauties of a southern climate had 
bloomed in vain. 2 
_ Mr. Williams found a delightful occupation in 
his agricultural pursuits. The horses were 
brought to the plough, and fields of wheat, bar- 
ley, and Indian corn, promised to reward his 
labours. His dairy furnished us with all the 
luxuries of an English farm. 
On the 25th the ice departed from Pine Island 
Lake. We were, however, informed that Beaver 
Lake, which was likewise in our route, would 
not afford a passage before the 4th of June. Ac 
cording to directions left by Mr. Franklin, appli- 
cations were made to the Chiefs of the Hudson's 
Bay, and North-West Companies’ Posts, for two 
canoes, with their crews, and a supply of stores, 
for the use of the Expedition. They were not in 
a condition to comply with this request till the 
arrival of their respective returns from Isle 2 a 
Crosse and the Saskatchawan Departments. 
the six men whom we brought from England, the 
most serviceable, John Hepburn, had accom: 
panied Mr. Franklin, and only one other desired 
to prosecute the journey with us. Mr, Frankdin 
had made arrangements with Mr. Williams for the 
employment of the remaining five men in bringing 
to Cumberland House the ammunition, tobacco, 
§c., left. at York Fort, which stores were, if pos 
