OF THE POLAR SEA. 337 
where we had the gratification of paddling for ten 
miles. We put up at its termination to fish, by 
the advice of our guide, and the following obser- 
vations were then taken: longitude 113° 46’ 
35” W.., variation of the compass 36° 45’ 30” E., 
dip 87° 11' 48". At this place we first perceived 
the north end of our dipping-needle to pass the 
perpendicular line when the instrument was faced 
to the west. : 
_ We had scarcely quitted the encampment next 
day before an Indian met us, with the agreeable 
communication, that the hunters had made several 
fires, which were certain indications of their 
having killed rein-Deer. This intelligence in- 
spired our companions with fresh energy, and 
they quickly traversed the next portage, and 
paddled through the Rein-Deer Lake ; at the north 
side of it we found the canoes of our hunters, and 
learned from our guide, that the Indians usually 
leave their canoes here, as the water communi- — 
cation on their hunting-grounds is bad. The 
Yellow-Knife River had now dwindled into an in- 
significant rivulet, and we could not trace it be- 
’ yond the next lake, except as a mere brook. The 
latitude of its source 64° 1’ 30° N., longitude 
113° 36’ W., and its length is one hundred and 
fifty-six statute miles. Though this river is of 
sufficient breadth and depth for navigating in Ca- 
Vou. 1. Z 
