In the Arctic Regions. 49 
The next day we pursued our course along the 
river ; the dogs had the greatest difficulty in dragging 
their heavy burdens through the snow. We halted 
to refresh them at the foot of Sturgeon River, and 
obtained the latitude 53° 51' 41" N. This isa small 
stream, which issues from a neighboring lake. We 
encamped near to Musquito Point, having walked 
about nine miles. The termination of the day’s 
journey was a great relief to me, who had been 
suffering during the greater part of it, in consequence 
of my feet having been galled by the snow-shoes ; 
this, however, is an evil which few escape on their 
initiation to winter traveling. It excites no pity 
from the more experienced companions of the journey, 
who travel on as fast as they can, regardless of the 
pain of the sufferer. | 
Mr. Isbester, and an Orkney man, joined us from 
Cumberland House, and brought some pemmican 
which we had left behind ; a supply which was sea- 
sonable after our recent loss. The general occupation 
of Mr. Isbester during the winter, is to follow or find 
out the Indians, and collect their furs, and his present 
journey will appear adventurous to persons accustomed 
to the certainty of traveling on a well-known road. 
He is going in search of a band of Indians, of whom 
no information had been received since last October, 
and his only guide for a them was their promise 
