2 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



cumstances which had an influence on our pro- 

 gress on the ensuing summer. The observations 

 on the magnetic needle, the temperature^ of the 

 atmosphere, the Aurora Borealis, and other 

 meteorological phenomena, together with the 

 mineralogical and botanical notices, being less 

 interesting to the general reader, arc omitted in 

 this edition. 



The men continued to work diligently at the 

 house, and by the 30th of September had nearly 

 completed it for our reception, when a heavy fall 

 of rain washed the greater part of the mud off 

 the roof. This rain was remarked by the Indians 

 as unusual, after what they had deemed so de- 

 cided a commencement of winter in the early 

 part of the month. The mean temperature for 

 the month was 33r,but the thermometer had sunk 

 as low as 16°, and on one occasion risen to 53° 



Besides the party constantly employed at the 

 house, two men were appointed to fish, and others 

 were occasionally sent for meat, as the hunters 

 procured it. This latter employment, although 

 extremely laborious, was always relished by the 

 Canadians, as they never faUed to use a prescrip 

 trve right of helping Oiemselves to the faLtTnd 

 most delicate parts of the deer. Towards the 

 end of the month, the rein-deer began to quit the 

 barren grounds, and came into the vicinity of the 



