OF THE POLAR SEA. 



191 



on the north shore, having only made six 

 miles and three quarters actual distance. 



The next day we pursued our course 

 along the river ; the dogs had the greatest 

 difficulty in dragging their heavy burdens 

 through the snow. We halted to refresh them 

 at the foot of Sturgeon River, and obtained 

 the latitude 53° 51' 41" N. This is a small 

 stream, which issues from a neighbouring 

 lake. We encamped near to Musquito 

 Point, having walked about nine miles. 

 The termination of the day's journey was a 

 great relief to me, who had been suffering 

 during the greater part of it, in consequence 

 of my feet having been galled by the snow- 

 shoes ; this, however, is an evil which few 

 escape on their initiation to winter travel- 

 ling. It excites no pity from the more ex- 

 perienced companions of the journey, who 

 travel on as fast as they can, regardless of 

 your pain. 



Mr. Isbester and an Orkney man joined 

 us from Cumberland House, and brought 

 some pemmican that we had left behind ; 

 a supply which was very seasonable after 



