In the Arctic Regions. 169 
supposed that we should have no more ice to cross, 
and therefore encamped after passing through it, for 
the purpose of fitting the canoes properly for the voy- 
age, and to provide poles, which are not only necessary 
to strengthen them when placed in the bottom, but 
essentially requisite for the safe management of them 
in dangerous rapids. The guide began afterwards to 
doubt whether the lake he meant was not further on, 
and he was sent with two men to examine into the 
fact, who returned in the evening with the informa- 
tion of its being below us, but that there was an open 
channel through it. This day was very sultry, several 
plants appeared in flower. 
The men were employed in repairing their canoes to 
alate hour, and commenced very early next morning, 
as we were desirous of availing ourselves of every part 
of this favorable weather for their operations. The 
hunters arrived in the course of the night. It ap- 
peared that the dog which escaped from us two days 
ago came into the vicinity of their encampment, 
howling piteously ; seeing him without his harness, 
they came to the hasty conclusion that our whole 
party had perished in a rapid; and throwing away 
part of their baggage, and leaving the meat behind 
them, they set off with the utmost haste to join Long- 
legs. Our messenger met them in their flight, but too 
far advanced to admit of their returning for the meat, 
