56 



Journal of a Voyage through the 



ploy slings, from whence they throw stones with such dex- 

 terity, that they prove very formidable weapons in the day 

 of battle. 



We also learned in addition from the natives, that we 

 should not see any more of their relations, as they had all 

 left the river to go in pursuit of rein-deer for their pro- 

 visions, and that they themselves should engage in a simi- 

 lar expedition in a few days. Rein-deer, bears, wolver- 

 eens, martins, foxes, hares, and white buffaloes, are the 

 only quadrupeds in their country ; and that the latter were 

 only to be found in the mountains to the Westward. 



We proceeded with the line throughout the day, ex- 

 cept two hours, when we employed the sail. We en- 

 camped at eight in the evening. From the place we quit- 

 ted this morning, the banks of the river are well covered 

 with small wood, spruce, firs, birch, and willow. We 

 found it very warm during the whole of our progress. 



Thursday 23. At five in the morning we proceeded on 

 our voyage, but found it very difficult to travel along the 

 beach. We observed several places where the natives 

 had stationed themselves and set their nets since our pas- 

 sage downwards. We passed a small river, and at five 

 o'clock our Indiaus put to shore in order to encamp, but 

 we proceeded onwards, which displeased them very much, 

 from the fatigue they suffered, and at eight we encamped 

 at our position of the 8th instant. The day was very fine, 

 and we employed the towing line throughout the course 

 of it. At ten, our hunters returned, sullen and dissatis- 

 fied. We had not touched any of our provision stores 

 for six days, in which time we had consumed two rein- 

 deer, four swans, forty-five geese, and a considerable 

 quantity of fish : bat it is to be considered, that we were 

 ten men, and four women. I have always observed, that 

 the north men possessed very hearty appetites, but they 

 were very much exceeded by those with me, since we en- 

 tered this river. I should really have thought it absolute 

 gluttony in my people, if my own appetite had not increas- 

 ed in a similar proportion. 



