48 Thirty Years 
to unstow the sledges, and hang upon the trees every 
species of provision out of the reach of these rapacious 
animals, We had ample experience, before morning, 
of the necessity of this precaution, as they contrived 
to steal a considerable part of our stores, almost from 
underneath Hepburn’s head, notwithstanding their 
having been well-fed at supper. 
This evening we found ,the mercury of our ther- 
mometer had-sunk into the bulk, and was frozen. It 
arose again into the tube on being held to the fire, 
but quickly re-descended into the bulb. on being 
removed into the air ; we could not, therefore, ascer- 
tain by it the temperature of the atmosphere, either 
then or during our journey. The weather was per- 
fectly clear. 
Jan. 19.—We arose this morning after the enjoy- 
ment of a sound and comfortable repose, and recom- 
menced our journey at sun-rise, but made slow progress 
through the deep snow. The task of beating the 
track for the dogs was so very fatiguing, that each of 
the men took the lead in turn, for an hour and a half. 
The scenery of the banks of the river improved as we 
advanced to-day ; some firs and poplars were inter- 
mixed with the willows. We passed through two 
creeks, formed by islands, and encamped on a pleasant 
spot on the north shore, having only made six miles 
and three-quarters actual distance. 
