In the Arctic Regions. ~ 411 
pieces of split drift-wood, that appeared to have been 
‘recently cut. The channel varied in breadth from a 
half to three-quarters of a mile, but, except in the 
stream -of the current, the water was so ‘shallow as 
scarcely to float the boats, and its greatest depth did 
not exceed five feet. We landed at eight P.m., on 
Halkett Island, intending to encamp, but owing to 
the swampiness of the.ground the tent could-not be 
pitched. Having made a fire and cooked our supper, 
we retired to sleep under the coverings of the boats, 
which afforded us good shelter from a gale and heavy 
rain that came on before midnight, Latitude 68° . 
39’ N., longitude 135° 35” W. . 
Thurs. ‘The continuance of stormy weather detained 
us until two p.m. of the 6th, when, the rain ceasing, 
we embarked. After passing through the expansion 
of the river near the west extreme of Halkett Island,: 
we turned into the narrower and more winding chan- 
nel, between Colvill Island and the main. A fog 
coming on at eight P.M. we encamped. Several of the 
glaucous gulls were seen, and this circumstance, as 
well as a line of bright cloud to the N.W. resembling 
the ice-blink, convinced us that the sea was not far 
off. A rein-deer appearing near the encampment, two 
men were sent after it, who returned unsuccessful, 
Augustus obtained a goose for supper. Many geese, ; 
swans, and ducks, had been. seen on the marshy shores 
of the island in the course of the day. 
