OF THE POLAR SEA. 



91 



which these Indians pursue their objects, 

 their avaricious nature, and the little reliance 

 that can be placed upon them, when their 

 interests jar with their promises. In these 

 respects they agree with other tribes of 

 northern Indians; but as has been already 

 mentioned, their dispositions are not cruel, 

 and their hearts are readily moved by the 

 cry of distress. 



The average temperature for May was 

 nearly 32°, the greatest heat was 68°, the 

 lowest 8°. 



We had constant daylight at the end of 

 the month, and geese and ducks were abun- 

 dant, indeed rather too much so, for our 

 hunters were apt to waste upon them the 

 ammunition that was given to them for kil- 

 ling deer. Uncertain as to the length of 

 time that it might be required to last, we 

 did not deem a goose of equal value with 

 the charge it cost to procure it. 



Dr. Richardson and Mr. Back having 

 visited the country to the northward of the 

 Slave Rock, and reported that they thought 

 we might travel over it, I signified my in- 



