A GREAT FROZEN LAKE. 99 



This seemed a little peculiar, since any that we had seen 

 for some time had been of the white Arctic variety, 

 which do not travel together in packs, like those of the 

 timber country. 



At this locality, which was close to the north-west 

 extremity of Tobaunt Lake, the country was more than 

 ordinarily broken, and was distinctively marked by 

 the existence of several great hills of sand. The highest 

 of these sand mountains I became ambitious to climb, in 

 order to obtain a view of the surrounding country and 

 have a look for the outlet of the lake. In the open 

 country one can often, in an hour or two, obtain more 

 information in this way from a prominent elevation than 

 would otherwise be possible in two or three days' travel. 

 So it was on this occasion, when in company with two 

 canoemen I obtained a variety of information. 



From the summit one could get a grand view of the 

 whole surrounding country, and thus an opportunity 

 was afforded of gaining much interesting topographical 

 information. In the performance of this work my 

 binoculars were of invaluable assistance, enabling me to 

 trace the natural features of the country for a con- 

 siderable distance. 



While thus scanning the broad dreary plains from 

 my vantage point, scattered bands of deer could be seen 

 here and there, also two or three wolves and a wolver- 

 ine. This latter animal, also known as the glutton, be- 

 ing not very far distant, afforded us some amusement. 

 We had no rifles with us, but I had my revolver, and 

 seeing that Franois was keen for a chase, I offered him 

 the use of it. 



Opportunities for excitement were seldom neglected 



