In the Arctic Regions. 79 
hunters, and, therefore, were usually better provided 
with clothes, and other useful articles, than most of 
the Indians. We purchased from them a pair of 
snow-shoes, in exchange for some ammunition, The 
Chipewyans are celebrated for making them good and 
easy to walk in; we saw some here upwards of six 
feet long, and three broad ; with these unwieldy clogs 
an active hunter, in the spring, when there is a crust 
on the surface of the snow, will run down 4 moose or 
red deer. : 
We made very slow progress after leaving this party, 
on account of the deep snow, but continued along the 
river until we reached its junction with the Atha- 
basca, or Elk River. Very little wood has been seen 
during this day’s march. The western shore, near the 
Forks, is destitute of trees ; it is composed of lofty 
perpendicular cliffs, which are now covered with snow. 
The eastern shore supports a few pines. 
March 18.—Soon after our departure from the en- 
campment we met two men, from the establishment 
at Pierre au Calumet, who gave us correct informa- 
tion of the situation and distance. Having the bene- 
fit of their track, we marched at a tolerably quick 
‘pace, and made twenty-two miles in the course of the 
day, though the weather was very disagreeable for 
traveling, being stormy, with constant snow. We 
_kept along the river the whole time ; its breadth is 
