In the Arctic Regions. 67 
harge of the North-West Company’s fort. I found 
ere the letters which I had addressed to the partners 
f the North-West Company, in the Athabasca, from 
Jumberland, in November last. This circumstance 
onvinced us of the necessity of our present journey. 
These establishments are situated on the southern 
ide of the lake, and close to each other. They are 
orts of considerable importance, being placed at a 
oint of communication with the English River, the 
\thabasca, and Columbia Districts. The country 
round them is low, and intersected with water, and 
vas formerly much frequented by beavers and otters, 
vhich, however, have been so much hunted by the 
ndians, that their number is greatly decreased. The 
ndians frequenting these forts are the Crees and some 
Jhipewyans ; they scarcely ever come except in the 
pring and autumn; in the former season to bring 
heir winter’s collection of furs, and in the latter to get 
he stores they require. 
Three Chipewyan lads came in during our stay, to 
port what furs the band to which they belonged had 
‘ollected, and to desire they might be sent for; the 
‘ndians having declined bringing either furs or meat 
shemselves, since the opposition between the Companies 
sommenced. Mr. Back drew the portrait of one of the 
Joys. ; 
Isle & la Crosse Lake receives its-name from an island 
