In the Arctic Regions. 103 
ters. Wealso obtained three fishing nets, a gun, and 
a pair of pistols, which were all the stores these posts 
could furnish, although the gentlemen in charge were 
much disposed to assist us. 
On the 27th of July we embarked at four A. M., 
and proceeded along the sauth shore of the lake, 
through a narrow channel, formed by some islands, 
beyond the confluence of the principal branch of the 
Slave River ; and as far as Stoney Island, where we 
breakfasted. This island is merely a rock of gneiss, 
that rises forty or. fifty feet above the lake, and is pre- 
cipitous on the north side. As the day was fine, and 
the lake smooth, we ventured upon paddling across to 
the Reindeer Islands, which were distant about thir- 
teen miles in a northern direction, instead of pursuing 
the usual track by keeping further along the south 
shore, which inclines to the eastward from this point. 
These islands are numerous, and consist of granite, 
rising from one hundred to two hundred feet above the 
water. They are for the most part naked ; but to- 
wards the centres of the larger ones, there is a little 
soil, and a few groves of pines. At seven in the 
evening we landed upon one of them, and encamped. 
On the following morning we ran before a strong breeze 
and a heavy swell, for some hours, but at length were 
obliged to seek shelter on a large island adjoining to 
Isle 4 la Cache of Mackenzie, 
