OF THE POLAR SEA. 135 



the Indians killed two deer, for which we imme- 

 diately sent. 



The channel of the lake through which we had 

 passed to-day was bounded on both sides by 

 islands of considerable height, presenting bold 

 and rugged scenery. We were informed by our 

 guide, that a large body of the lake lies to the 

 northward of a long island which we passed. 



Another deer was killed next morning, but as 

 the men breakfasted^ofF it before they started, the 

 additional weight was not materially felt. The 

 burthens of the men being considerably lightened 

 by the arrangements of last evening, the party 

 walked at the rate of one mile and three quarters 

 an hour until the afternoon, when our pace was 

 slackened, as the surface of the ice was more 

 rough, and our lame companions felt their sores 

 very galling. At noon we passed a deep bay on 

 the south side, which is said to receive a river. 

 Throughout the day's march the hills on each side 

 of the lake bore a strong resemblance, in height 

 and form, to those about Fort Enterprise. We 

 encamped on the north main shore, among some 

 spruce trees, having walked eight miles and a 

 half. Three or four fish were caught with lines 

 through holes, which the water had worn in the 

 ice. We perceived a light westerly current at 

 these places. 



