OF THE POLAR SEA. 289 
Mr. Franklin had desired ten bags of pemmican 
to be sent from the Saskatchawan across the 
plains to Isle a la Crosse for our use. This re- 
source was untouched, but we could not embark 
more than five pieces in ourowncanoes. However, 
Mr. Mac Leod agreed to send a canoe after us 
to the Methye Portage, with the pemmican, and 
we. calculated that the diminution of our pro- 
vision would there enable us to receive it. 
The Beaver River enters this lake on the S.E. 
side, and another river which has not been named, 
on the S.W. Both these rivers are branches of 
the Missinippi, as it is the only outlet from the 
lake. The banks appeared to be rocky, and the 
beach in many places sandy, but its waters are 
yellow and muddy. It produces a variety of 
fish, among which its white fish are esteemed the 
best in the country. The only birds visible at 
this season, are common to every part of the 
Missinippi; gulls, ducks, pigeons, goatsuckers, 
and the raven; and geese and swans pay a 
momentary visit in passing to the north and 
Teturning. 
There was little in the forts differing from the 
establishments that we had before seen, The 
_ ground on which they are erected is sandy, and 
favourable to cultivation. Curiosity, however, 
Was satisfied by the first experiment, and utility 
Vou. I. U 
