In the Arctic Regions. 359 
one occasion, as he mentioned, had no food but tripe 
de roche for eleven days, 
All the Indians flocked to our encampment to learn 
the news, and to receive the articles brought for them. 
Having got some spirits and tobacco, they withdrew to 
the tent of the Chief, and passed the greater-part of 
the night in singing. We had now the indescribable . 
gratification of changing our linen, which we had worn 
ever since our departure from the sea-coast. 
December 8.—After a long conference with Akaitcho, 
we took leave of him and his kind companions, and 
set. out with two sledges, heavily laden with provision 
and bedding, drawn by the dogs, and conducted by 
Belanger and the Canadian sent by Mr. Weeks. Hep- 
burn and Augustus jointly dragged a smaller sledge, 
laden principally with their own bedding. Adam and 
Benoit were left to follow with the Indians, We en- — 
camped on the Grassy-Lake Portage, having walked 
about nine miles, principally on the Yellow-Knife 
River. It was open at the rapids, and in these places 
we had to ascend its ‘banks, and walk through the 
woods for some distance, which was very fatiguing, 
especially to Dr. Richardson, whose feet were seveiely 
galled in consequence of some defect in his, snow- 
shoes. . 
On the 11th, however, we arrived at the Fort ; it 
was still under the charge of Mr. Weeks. He wel- 
