In the Arctic Regions. 143 
yproached the kettle in which the ley was boiling. 
uch are our simple domestic details. 
On the 30th, two hunters came from the leader, to 
yuvey ammunition to him, as soon as our men should 
ring it from Fort Providence. S 
The men, at this time, coated the walls of the 
ouse on the outside, with a thin mixture of clay and 
ater, which formed a crust of ice, that, for some 
ays, proved impervious to theair ; the dryness of the 
tmosphere, however, was such, that the ice in a short 
me evaporated, and gave admission to the wind as 
efore. It is a general custom at the forts to give 
iis sort of coating to the walls at Christmas time. 
Vhen it was gone we attempted to remedy its defect, 
y heaping up snow against the walls. 
j2!, This morning our men collected, and greeted us 
rith the customary salutation on the commencement 
f the New Year. That they might enjoy a holiday, 
ney had yesterday collected double the usual quantity 
f fire-wood, and we anxiously expected the arrival of 
he men from Fort Providence, with some additions to 
heir comforts. We were led the more readily to hope 
or their arrival before the evening, as we knew that 
very voyager uses his utmost endeavor to reach a post 
pon, or previous to, the jour de Van; that he may 
iartake of the wonted festivities. It forms the theme 
f their conversation for months before: and after the 
