OF THE POLAR SEA. Ill 



observe the Indians sitting in groups enjoying the 

 sport. We were desirous of filling up the leisure 

 moments of the Canadians with amusements, not 

 only for the purpose of enlivening their spirits, 

 but also to prevent them from conv^sing upon 

 our differences with the Indians, which they must 

 have observed. The exercise was also in a pe- 

 culiar manner serviceable to Mr. Hood. Ever 

 ardent in his pursuits, he had, through close at- 

 tention to his drawings and other avocations, 

 confined himself too much to the house in winter, 

 and his health was impaired by his sedentary 

 habits. I could only take the part of a spectator 

 in these amusements, being still lame from the 

 hurt formerly alluded to. 



The sun now sinks for so short a time below 

 the horizon, that there is more light at midnight, 

 than we enjoyed on some days at noon in the 

 winter-time. 



On the 27th the hunters brought in two rein- 

 deer. Many of the Indians attended divine ser- 

 vice this day, and were attentive spectators of ovt 

 addresses to the throne of the Almighty. 



On the 28th I had a conversation with Long- 

 legs, whose arrival two days ago has been men- 

 tioned. I acquainted him with the objects of our 

 expedition, and our desire of promoting peace 

 between his nation and the Esquimaux, and 



