154 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



tunately close at hand, and camped for the night. 

 We saw some reindeer on the island, but did not 

 succeed in shooting any. The wood growing on the 

 island is rather large, but not fit for building purposes. 



The storm continued the next day, making 

 it impossible for the travellers to venture in their 

 canoe ; but on " Friday, July 25, the wind mode 

 rated, though it is still heavy. We ventured, 

 however, to cross from the island to the northern 

 shore of the lake. Our little craft rode the sea 

 admirably under the skilful guidance of our steers- 

 man. We reached the shore, thank God, safely, 

 and then passed into a small river. We made a 

 few portages, and then camped. The country about 

 here is much lower than that hitherto seen. We 

 have been more or less troubled with mosquitoes 

 ever since leaving Little Whale River. They some- 

 times attack us in great force, and sting in a most 

 unmerciful manner. 



" Saturday, July 26. Made a few portages, and 

 then passed into Seal Lake. This is about seventy 

 miles long, but varies much in breadth. In the 

 middle it is quite narrow, but in other places it 

 measures perhaps from thirty to fifty miles in 

 width. It is quite studded with islands which are 

 the favourite haunts of reindeer, especially in the 

 winter months. The wind was fair and strong, 

 so we made a good run and then camped. We saw 

 a seal, some gulls, and a few ducks during the day. 



