In the Arctic Regions. 87 
Expedition, and our proposed route ; and to solicit 
any information they possessed, or could collect, from 
the Indians, relative to the countries we had to pass 
through, and the best manner of proceeding. As the 
Copper Indians frequent the establishment on the 
north side of the lake, I particularly requested them 
to explain to that tribe the object of our visit, and 
to endeavor to-procure from them some guides and 
hunters to accompany our party. Two Canadians 
were sent by Mr. Keith with these letters. 
The month of April commenced with fine and elear 
but extremely cold weather ; unfortunately we were 
still without a thermometer, and could not ascertain 
the degrees of temperature. The coruscations of the 
Aurora were very brilliant almost every evening of the 
first week, and were generally of the- most variable 
kind. On the 3d, they were particularly changeable. 
The first appearance exhibited three illuminated beams 
issuing from the horizon in the north, east, and west 
points, and directed towards the zenith; in a few 
seconds these disappeared, and a complete circle was 
displayed, bounding the horizon at an elevation of 
fifteen degrees. There was a quick lateral motion in 
the attenuated beams of which this zone was compos- 
ed. Its.color was a pale yellow, with an occasional 
tinge of red. 
On the 8th of April the Indians saw some geese in 
me 
