148 Thirty Years 



On the 7th the wind changing to the southward, 

 dispersed the clouds which had obscured the sky for 

 several days, and produced a change of temperature 

 under which the snow rapidly disappeared. The 

 thermometer rose to 73°, many flies came forth, mus- 

 ouitoes shewed themselves for the first time, and one 

 swallow made its appearance. We were the more 

 gratified with these indications of summer, that St. 

 Germain was enabled to commence upon the repair oi 

 the canoes, and before night had completed the two 

 which had received the least injury. Augustus killed 

 two deer to-day. 



On the 10th the dip of the magnetic needle being 

 observed, shewed a decrease of 22' 44", since last 

 autumn. The repairs of the third canoe were finished 

 this evening. 



The snow was now confined to the bases of the hills, 

 and our Indian hunter told us the season was early. 

 The operations of nature, however, seemed to us very 

 lardy. We woe eager to be gone, and dreaded the 

 lapse of summer, before the Indians would allow it 

 had begun. 



On the 11th the geese and ducks had left the 

 ricinity of Tort Enterprize, and proceeded t<> the 



northward. Some young ravens and whiskey-johns 



made their appearance at this time. 

 On the 12th, Winter River was pearly cleared of 



