OF THE POLAR SEA. 259 



mit of a hill, above these falls, appeared so 

 rapid and shallow, that it seemed useless to 

 attempt proceeding any farther in the large 

 canoes. I therefore determined on con- 

 structing out of their materials two smaller 

 ones of sufficient size to contain three per- 

 sons, for the purpose of crossing any river 

 that might obstruct our progress. This 

 operation was accordingly commenced, and 

 by the 31st both the canoes being finished, 

 we prepared for our departure on the fol- 

 lowing day. 



The leather which had been preserved for 

 making shoes was equally divided among 

 the men, two pairs of flannel socks were 

 given to each person, and such articles of 

 warm clothing as remained were issued to 

 those who most required them. They were 

 also furnished with one of the officers' tents. 

 This being done, I communicated to the 

 men my intention of proceeding in as direct 

 a course as possible to the part of Point 

 Lake opposite our spring encampment, 

 which was only distant one hundred and 

 forty-nine miles in a straight line, They 

 s % 



