OF THE POLAR SEA. 139 



parties met on the sandy ridge, which separates 

 the streams that fall into Winter Lake from those 

 that flow to the northward ; and here we killed 

 three deer. Near to the base of this ridge we 

 crossed a small but rapid stream, in which there 

 IS a remarkable cascade of about fifty feet de- 

 scent. Some Indians joined us here, and gave 

 information respecting the situation of Dr. 

 Richardson's tent, which our hunters considered 

 was sufficient for our guidance, and therefore 

 proceeded as quickly as they could. We marched 

 a few miles farther in the evening, and encamped 

 among some pines ; but the comfort of a good fire 

 did not compensate for the torment we suffered 

 from the host of musquitoes we found at this spot. 

 The temperature was 52°. 



We set off next morning at a very early 

 hour. The men took the course of Point Lake, 

 that they might use their sledges, but the officers 

 pursued the nearest route by land to Dr. Richard- 

 sons tent, which we reached at eleven A.M. It 

 was situated on the western side of an arm of 

 the lake, and near to the part through which the 

 Copper-Mine River runs. Our men arrived scon 

 after us, and in the evening Mr. Wentzel and his 

 party, with the canoes in excellent condition. 

 They were much jaded by their fatiguing journey, 



Vol. II. K 



