/// the Arctic Regions. G7 



charge of the North-West Company's fort. I found 

 here the letters which 1 had addressed to theparti 

 of the North-West Company, in the Athabasca, from 

 Cumberland, in November last. This circumstance 

 convinced us of the necessity of our present journey. 



These establishments are situated on the southern 

 side of the lake, and close to each other. They are 

 torts of considerable Importance, being placed at a 

 point of communication with the English I liver, the 

 Athabasca, and Columbia Districts. The country 

 around them is low, and intersected with water, and 

 was formerly much frequented by beavers and otti 

 which, however, have been so much hunted by the 

 Indians, thai their number is greatly decreased. The 

 Indians frequenting these forts are the Crees and some 

 Chipewyans ; they scarcely ever come except in the 

 spring and autumn ; in the former season to bring 

 their winter's collection of furs, and in the latter to get 

 the stores they require. 



Three Chipewyan lads came in during our stay, to 

 report what furs the band to which they belonged had 

 collected, and to desire they might be Benl for; the 

 Indians having declined bringing either furs or meal 

 themselves, since the opposition betwei □ the Companies 

 commenced. Mr. Back drew the portrait of one of the 



hoys. 



l.-le ,•; la ( !ros8e Lake receives its came from an island 



