FORT RESOLUTION. 391 



On my return to Fort Simpson preparations were 

 ah'eady instituted for our departure, as Captain Pullen 

 intended to proceed some time in advance of the 

 yearly brigade. Bidding farewell to the companions 

 of a long and dreary winter, we quitted Tort 

 Simpson on tlie 5tli of June, and ascended the 

 Mackenzie by easy stages. 



We reached Big Island on the 1 3th, remained there 

 three days, and gained Fort Resolution on the 20th. 



This was the neatest and cleanest establishment 

 we had yet seen ; much care was evident in every 

 department. The houses were built of well split 

 and squared logs placed edge to edge, and closely 

 fitting, and the buildings were enclosed by pickets of 

 regular height and make. 



Pemmican had so often been our food during the 

 long sojourn in this land of eternal snow and hard 

 meat, that I was desirous of carrying with me a 

 specimen of the native material, for the inspection of 

 the curious in such matters : I was furnished with 

 a small quantity made after the most approved fashion, 

 and brought it home all safe, but as I fear I cannot 

 hand it to each of my readers for examination, I will 

 briefly describe the process of preparing the article, 

 for the benefit of those who are not already acquainted 

 with it. Upon the slaughter of a reindeer or buffalo, 



