In the Arctic Regions. 391 
reached, and all the portages on the road to Bear Lake 
crossed. The first week in August was spent on the 
Mackenzie River in getting to Fort Simpson. On the 
8th of August a voyage to the sea was agreed upon 
for Capt. Franklin, while Dr. Richardson should coast 
above the northern shore-of Bear Lake to the Copper- 
Mine River, while Lieutenant Back was to prepare 
winter quarters for the entire party. Capt, Franklin 
set off at noon, arriving in two days at Fort Good 
Hope, the lowest station of the Hudson Company. 
By the middle of August they reached latitude 69°, 
14’ N,,—longitude 135°, 57' W.,—the north-eastern 
entrance to the main channel of Mackenzie River, and 
1045 miles from Slave Lake. Salt water was 
reached, and the party indulged ina little enthusiasm. 
The next day the boats were turned towards the 
Mackenzie on their way back to winter quarters. 
September Ist, the river Mackenzie was left for a 
stream which flows from Bear Lake, and on the 5th 
reached the winter quarters. 
The winter of 1825-6 was passed by the company 
in comparative comfort. Buildings were erected and 
a plentiful supply of provisions stored in them, to- 
gether with the expected supplies from fishing and 
hunting, to carry the party cozily through another 
year, 
Amusements were also provided for the men, while 
tf 
