332 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
river which varied much in breadth as did the 
current in rapidity. It flows between high rocky 
banks on which there is sufficient soil to support 
pines, birch, and poplars. Five portages were 
crossed, then the Rocky Lake, and we finished 
our labours at the end of the sixth portage. The 
issue of dried meat for breakfast this morning 
had exhausted all our stock; and no other pro- 
vision remained but the portable soups, and a few 
pounds of preserved meat. At the recommenda- 
tion of Akaitcho, the hunters were furnished with 
ammunition, and desired to go forward as speedily 
as possible, to the part where the rein-deer were 
expected to be found; and to return to us with 
any provision they could procure. He also as- 
sured us that in our advance towards them we 
should come to lakes abounding in fish. Many 
of the Indians, being also in distress for food, 
decided on separating from us, and going on at a 
quicker pace than we could travel. 
_ Akaitcho himself was always furnished with a 
portion at our meals, as a token of regard which 
the traders have taught the chiefs to expect, and 
which we willingly paid. 
The next morning we crossed a small lake 
and a portage, before we entered the river; 
shortly afterwards, the canoes and cargoes were 
carried a mile along its banks, to avoid three 
