OF THE POLAR SEA. 209 



Our stock of provision being now reduced to 

 eight days' consumption, it had become a matter 

 of the first importance to obain a supply ; and as 

 we had learned from Terregannceuck that the 

 Esquimaux frequent the rivers at this season, I 

 determined on seeking a communication with 

 them here, with the view of obtaining relief for 

 our present wants, or even shelter for the winter, 

 if the season should prevent us from returning 

 either to the Hook's party, or Fort Enterprise ; 

 and I was the more induced to take this step at 

 this time, as several deer had been seen to-day, 

 and the river appeared good for fishing : which 

 led me to hope we might support the party during 

 our stay, if not add to our stock by our own exer- 

 tions in hunting and fishing, Augustus, Junius, 

 and Hepburn, were therefore furnished with the 

 necessary presents, and desired to go along the 

 bank of the river as far as they could, on the fol- 

 lowing day, in search of the natives, to obtain 

 provision and leather, as well as information re- 

 specting the coast. 



They started at four A.M., and at the same 

 time our hunters were sent off in search of deer ; 

 and the rest of the party proceeded in the canoes 

 to the first cascade in the river, at the foot of 

 which we encamped, and set four nets. This 

 cascade, produced by a ridge of rocks crossing 



