In the Arctic Regions. 47 
long separation. Being accompanied by Mr. Mac- 
kenzie, of the Hudson’s Bay Company, who was going 
to Isle 4 la Crosse, with four sledges under his charge, 
we formed quite a procession, keeping in an Indian 
file, in the tract of the man who preceded the foremost 
dogs ; but, as the snow was deep, we proceeded 
slowly on the surface of the river, which is about three 
hundred and fifty yards wide, for the distance of six 
miles, which we went to-day. Its alluvial banks and 
islands are clothed with willows. At the place of our 
encampment we could scarcely find sufficient pine 
branches to floor “the hut,” as the Orkney men term 
the place where travelers rest. Its preparation, how- 
ever, consists only in clearing away the snow to the 
ground, and covering that space with pine branches,- 
over which the party spread their blankets and coats, 
and sleep in warmth and comfort, by keeping a good 
fire at their feet, without any other canopy than the 
heaven, even though the thermometer should be far 
below zero. : 
The arrival at the place of encampment gives imme- 
diate occupation to every one of the party ; and it is 
not until the sleeping-place has been arranged, and a 
sufficiency of wood collected as fuel for the night, that 
the fire is allowed to be kindled. The dogs alone 
remain inactive during this busy scene, being kept 
harnessed. to.their burdens until the men have leisure 
