70 Thirty Years 
done. After marching eighteen miles we put up on 
Gravel Point, in the Deep River. 
At nine the next morning, we came to the com- 
mencement of Clear Lake. We crossed its southern 
extremes, and then went over a point of land to Buf- 
falo Lake, and encamped after traveling twenty-six 
miles, After supper we were entertained until mid- 
night with paddling songs, by our Canadians, who re- 
quired very little stimulus beside their natural vivac- 
ity, to afford us this diversion. The next morning we 
arrived at the establishments which are situated on the 
western side of the lake, near to a small stream, ‘called 
the Beaver River, They were small log buildings, 
hastily erected last October, for the convenience of the 
Indians who hunt in the vicinity. Mr. MacMurray, | 
a partner in the N. W. Company, having sent to Isle 
4 la Crosse an invitation to Mr. Back and me, our 
carioles were driven to his post, and we experienced 
the kindest reception. These posts are frequented by 
only a few Indians, Crees and Chipewyans. The 
country round is not sufficiently stocked with animals 
to afford support to many families, and the traders al- 
most entirely subsist on fish caught in the autumn, 
prior to the lake being frozen. The water being shal- 
low, the fish remove to a deeper part, as soon as the 
lake is covered with ice. The Aurora Borealis was 
brilliantly displayed on both the nights we remained 
