In the Arctic Regions. 155 
£ 
we could not proceed with the canoes further without 
the risk of breaking the bark and seriously injuring 
them, we therefore crossed Winter River in them, and 
put up on a ridge of sand hills in a well sheltered 
place, But as the stock of provision was scanty, we 
determined on proceeding as quick as possible, and 
leaving the canoe party under the charge of Mr. 
Wentzel. We parted from them in the afternoon, 
and first directed our course towards a range of hills, 
where we expected to find Antonio Fontano, who had 
separated from us in the morning. In crossing to- 
wards these hills I fell through the ice into the lake, 
with my bundle on my shoulders, but was soon extri- 
-eated without receiving any injury; and Mr. Back, 
who left us to go in search of the straggler, met with 
a similar accident in the evening. We put up on a 
ridge of sand hills; where we found some pines, and 
made a large fire to apprise Mr. Back and Fontano of 
our situation. St. Germain having killed a deer in 
the afternoon, we received an acceptable supply of 
meat. The night was stormy and very cold. 
At five next morning our men were sent in different 
directions after our absent companions, but as the 
weather was foggy, we despaired of finding them unless 
they should chance to hear the muskets our people 
were desired to fire. They returned, however, at ten, 
bringing intelligence of them. I went immediately 
Y fo 
