376 PROGRAMME FOR THE WINTER MONTHS. 



of which nothmg is known but by the reports of 

 Indians, who call it " Soon illay tess," or the "known 

 not river ; " by which title, indeed, L'Inconnu, it is 

 distinguished in the country. 



Captain Pullen, myself, and the two marines, were 

 to remain at Fort Simpson during the winter ; the 

 remainder of our party were dispatched to the fishery 

 on Great Slave Lake, where many of the Company's 

 servants would also be assembled. 



Another long winter had now to be passed, a 

 formidable prospect to those who have few means of 

 occupation, and less comforts at their disposal. But 

 we had here, at any rate, more companions and a 

 nearer approach to civilised life than had been the 

 lot of some of us last season, and had no intention 

 of permitting black ennui to engross eight or ten 

 long months of our lives. There was a small library 

 at the Port, which the gentlemen of the district had 

 created to while away weariness at their respective 

 posts ; of this we were kindly permitted to avail our- 

 selves, and found it a great solace. Meteorological 

 and astronomical observations occupied much of our 

 time. The dipping-needle, which had been my 

 faithful companion throughout our wanderings, was 

 placed in a bastion of the Fort, and also received its 

 share of attention each day. 



