336 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
carp, we embarked for the purpose of searching 
for a better spot, and encamped again on the 
shores of the same lake. The spirits of the men 
were much revived by seeing some recent traces 
of rein-deer at this place, which circumstance 
caused them to cherish the hope of soon getting a 
supply of meat from the hunters. They were 
also gratified by finding abundance of blue berries 
near to the encampment, which made an agree- 
able and substantial addition to their otherwise 
scanty fare. We were teased by sand-flies this 
evening, although the thermometer did not rise 
above 45°. The country through which we have 
travelled for some days consists principally of 
granite, intermixed i in some spots with mica slate, 
often passing into clay-slate. But the borders of 
Lower Carp Lake, where the gneiss formation 
prevails, are composed of hills, having less alti- 
tude, fewer precipices, and more rounded sum- 
mits. The valleys are less fertile, containing a 
gravelly soil and fewer trees; so that the country 
has throughout a more barren aspect. 
August 11.—Having caught sufficient trout, 
white fish, and carp, yesterday and this morning, 
to afford the party two hearty meals, and the 
men being recovered of their fatigue, we pro- 
ceeded on our journey, crossed the Upper Carp 
Portage, and embarked on the lake of that name, 
