70 Thirty Years 



done. After marching eighteen miles we put up on 

 Gravel Point, in the Deep River. 



At nine the next morning, we came to the com- 

 mencement of Clear Lake. We crossed its southern 

 extremes, and then went over a point of land to Buf- 

 falo Lake, and encamped after traveling twenty-six 

 miles. After supper we were entertained until mid- 

 night with paddling songs, by our Canadians, who re- 

 quired very little stimulus beside their natural vivac- 

 ity, to afford us this diversion. The next morning we 

 arrived at the establishments which are situated on the 

 western side of the lake, near to a small stream, called 

 the Beaver River. They were small log buildings, 

 hastily erected last October, for the convenience of the 

 Indians who hunt in the vicinity. Mr. MacMurray, 

 a partner in the N. W. Company, having sent to Isle 

 a la Crosse an invitation to Mr. Back and me, our 

 cariolea were driven to his post, and we experienced 

 the kindest reception. These posts are frequented by 

 only a few Indians, Crees and Chipewyans. The 

 country round is not sufficiently stocked with animals 

 to afford support to many families, and the traders al- 

 most entirely subsist on fish caught in the anfnnin, 

 prior to the lake being frozen. The water being shal- 

 low, the fish remove to a deeper part, as soon as the 

 lake is covered with ice. The Aurora Borealis was 



brilliantly displayed OB both the DlghtS we remained 



