. In the Arctic Regions. 279 
selves beyond moderation. We learned, in the even- 
ing, that the Canadians, with their usual thoughtless- 
ness, had consumed above a third of their portions of 
meat. + : 
We set ont early on the 26th, and, after walking 
about three miles along the lake, came to the river, 
which we at once recognized, from.its size, to be the 
Copper-Mine, It flowed to the northward, and after 
winding about five miles, terminated in Point Lake. 
Its current was swift, and there were two rapids in 
this part of its course, but*in a canoe we could have 
crossed with ease and safety. These rapids, as well as 
every other part.of the river, were carefully examined 
in search of a ford ; but finding none, the expedients 
occurred, of attempting’ to cross on a raft made of the 
willows which were growing there, or in a- vessel 
framed with willows, and covered with the canvass of 
‘the tents; but both these schemes were abandoned, 
through the obstinacy of the interpreters and the 
most experienced voyagers, who declared that they 
would prove inadequate to the conveyance of the 
party, and that much time would be lost in the 
attempt. The men, in fact, did not believe that this 
was the Copper-Mine River, and so little confidence 
had they in our reckoning, and so much had they be- 
wildered themselves on the march, that some of them 
asserted it was Hood’s River, and others that it was 
