OF THE POLAR SEA. 169 



grass, and is devoid of the large stones, so frequent 

 in the barren grounds, but the ranges of trap hills 

 which seem to intersect it at regular distances 

 are quite barren. A few decayed stunted pines 

 were standing on the borders of the river. In 

 the evening we had the gratification of meeting 

 Junius, who was hastening back to inform us 

 that they had found four Esquimaux tents at the 

 Fall which we recognised to be the one described 

 by Mr. Hearne. The inmates were asleep at the 

 time of their arrival, but rose soon afterwards, 

 and then Augustus presented himself, and had 

 some conversation across the river. He told 

 them the white people had come, who would 

 make them very useful presents. The informa- 

 tion of our arrival, seemed to alarm them very 

 much, but as the noise of the rapid prevented 

 them from hearing distinctly, one of them came 

 nearer to him in his canoe, and received the rest 

 of the message. He would not, however, land on 

 his side of the river, but returned to their tents 

 without receiving the present. His language 

 differed in some respects from Augustus's, but 

 they understood each other tolerably well. Au- 

 gustus trusting for a supply of provision to the 

 Esquimaux, had neglected to carry any with him, 

 and this was the main cause of Junius's return. 



