In the Arctic Regions. 127 
directions. On the: borders of these lakes a few thin 
. pine groves occur, but the country in general is desti- 
tute of almost every vegetable, except a few berry- 
bearing shrubs and lichens, and has a very barren 
aspect, The hills are composed of gneiss, but their 
acclivities are covered with a coarse gravelly soil. 
There are many loose stones both on their summits 
and acclivities, composed of the same materials as 
solid rock, 
We crossed another lake in the evening, encamped, 
and set the nets. The chief made a large fire to 
announce our situation to the hunters. 
August 13.—We caught twenty fish this morning, 
but they were small, and furnished but ascanty break- 
fast for the party. Whilst this meal was preparing, 
our Canadian voyagers, who-had been for some days 
past murmuring at their meagre diet, and striving to 
get the whole of our little provision to consume at 
once, broke out into open discontent, and several of 
them threatened they would not proceed forward unless 
more food was given to them. This conduct was the 
more unpardonable, as they saw we were rapidly ap- 
proaching the fires of the hunters, and that pro- 
vision might soon be expected. I therefore felt the 
duty incumbent on me, to address them in’ the 
strongest manner on the danger of insubordination, 
aud to assure them of my determination to inflict the 
