222 



Harmon's journal. 



ly bad. The snow was three feet deep, and the 

 weathep was so mild, that it had become very 

 soft. About ten miles from this place, I left my 

 guide, and came on forward of him. I had not 

 proceeded far, before I wandered from my proper 

 course. 1 might have followed my tracks back ; 

 but this I was unwilling to do, and I continued, 

 therefore to wander about during the remainder 

 of the day. The night came upon me, while I 

 was in a thick wood ; and, as I had nothing to eat, 

 I could only kindle up a fire, and endeavour to 

 solace myself, by smoking my pipe. — I passed the 

 greater part of the night in melancholy reflections 

 on the unpleasant condition, into which I had 

 brought myself, by leaving my guide. Very ear- 

 ly in the morning, I left my fire, and commenced 

 travelling, without knowing what direction to take. 

 The sun was concealed by clouds, and the rain 

 fell copiously. Before I had gone far, I perceiv- 

 k ed, at no great distance from me, a pretty high 

 hill, which I at length ascended, with much diffi- 

 culty. From its summit. I was cheered by a pros- 

 pect of this lake, at a considerable distance from 

 me. Having ascertained the course which I must 

 take, I descended into the valley, and took the fol- 

 lowing method to keep in the direction to the fort, 

 I at first marked a tree ; and from that, singled 

 out one forward of me, to which 1 proceeded ; 



iji. mm ■ . 



