OF THE POLAR SEA, . 369 
Enterprise than the part they had fallen upon, to 
which the transport of our goods could be more 
easily made next spring, they returned on its 
borders to the eastward, being satisfied, by the 
appearance of the mountains between south and 
west, that no further examination was necessary 
in that direction ; and they continued their mareh 
until the 6th at noon, without finding any part of 
the lake inclining nearer the fort. They there- 
fore encamped to observe the eclipse, which was to 
take place on the following morning; but a violent 
snow storm rendering the observation impossible, 
they commenced their return, and after a comfort- 
less and laborious march regained their canoe on 
the 10th, and embarking in it, arrived the same 
evening at the house. 
Point Lake varied, as far as they traced, from 
one to three miles in width. Its main course was 
nearly east and west, but several arms branched 
off in different directions. I was much pleased 
with the able manner in which these officers ex- 
ecuted the service they had been despatched 
upon, and was gratified to learn from them, that 
their companions had conducted themselves ex- 
tremely well, and borne the fatigues of their 
journey most cheerfully. They scarcely ever had 
more than sufficient fuel to boil the kettle; and 
were generally obliged to lie down in their wet 
Vou. I. 2B 
