ENTER MACKENZIE RIVER. 279 



ment following us along tlie river's bank, and 

 endeavoured to drive them back ; but without per- 

 manent success, as after encamping at a late hour, 

 we were vexed at their running in amongst us ; nor 

 was their journey bootless. During the night the 

 rascals made a determined attack upon the boat, and 

 ate up about thirty pounds of fresh venison, which we 

 had brought for immediate consumption. They must 

 have had cunning and perseverance enough, as it 

 was stowed in the bottom of the boat, and well 

 covered up. 



On entering the Mackenzie early next morning the 

 Indians quitted us, and we pursued our way alone. 

 The great breadth and swift cm-rent of the river 

 presented a remarkable contrast to the narrow , 

 sluggish stream we had just left, and my wonder 

 was great however we could have entered the Peel 

 by mistake ; but the mystery was easily explained. 

 The Mackenzie, at Point Separation, divides into two 

 branches, which are again subdivided in their descent 

 into a perfect labyrinth of narrow channels. 



Those horrid dogs followed us until late in the 

 afternoon, although we crossed the river several times 

 for convenience of tracking, which is the universal 

 mode of ascending these rapid rivers, unless a strong 

 fair breeze makes sails of use. Passing Point 



