_In the Arctic Regions. 121 
On August 5th, we continued the ascent of the riv- 
ar which varied much in breadth as did the current in 
rapidity. It flows between high rocky banks on which 
there is sufficient soil to support pines, birch, and pop- 
lars. Five portages were crossed, then the Rocky 
Lake, and we finished our labors at the end of the 
sixth portage. The issue of dried meat for breakfast 
this morning had exhausted all our stock ; and no 
other provision remained but the portable soups, and 
a few pounds of preserved meat. At the recommen- 
dation of Akaitcho, the hunters were furnished with 
ammunition, and desired to go forward as speedily ag 
possible, to the part where the reindeer were expect- 
to be found ; and to return to us with any provision 
they could procure. He also assured us that in our 
advance towards them we should come to lakes abound- 
ing in fish. Many of the Indians, being also in dis- 
tress for food, dedided on separating from us, and 
going on at a quicker pace than we could travel. 
Akaitcho himself was always furnished with a por- 
tion at our meals, as a token of regard which the trad- 
ers have taught the chiefs to expect, and which we 
willingly paid. _ , 
The next morning we crosséd a small lake anda 
portage, before we entered the-river ; shortly after- 
wards, the canoes and cargoes were carried a mile along 
its banks to avoid three very strong rapids, and over 
