718. 



approached the kettle in which the ley was boilL 

 Such an- our simple domestic details. 



On the 30th, two hunters came from the leader, to 

 convey ammunition to him, as Boon as onr men should 

 bring it from Fori Provide] 



The men, at this time, coated the walls oi 

 house on the outside, with a thin mixture of clay and 

 water, which formed a crust of ice, that, 6 

 days, proved impervious to the air ; thedr the 



atmosphere, however, was such, thai I a a short 



time evaporated, and gave admissi the wind 



I : is a gem ral custom at the forts to f 

 this sort of coating to the walls at Christmas time. 

 When it was gone we attempted to remedy itsd< I 

 by heaping up Bnow against the walls. 



. This morning our men collected, and greeted us 

 tomary salutation on the commencement 

 of the New Year. That they might enjoy a holiday, 

 they had yesterday collected double the usual quantity 

 oi ore-wood, and we anxiously expected the arrival of 

 the men froi Providence, with Bome addition 



their comforts. We were led the more readily to i 

 for their arrival before the even' a knew that 



every voyager uses his utmosl endear 

 upon, or previous to, th an, that he may 



partake of the wonted festivities, [tformstheth i 

 of their conversation for months before and at;, r the 



