234 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



half-breed women would be a bar to the 

 deduction of any inference on this head." 



February 8. — Having recovered from the 

 swellings and pains which our late march 

 from Cumberland had occasioned, we pre- 

 pared for the commencement of our journey 

 to Isle a la Crosse, and requisitions were 

 made on both the establishments for the 

 means of conveyance, and the necessary 

 supply of provisions for the party, which 

 were readily furnished. On the 9th the 

 carioles and sledges were loaded, and sent 

 off after breakfast; but Mr. Back and I 

 remained till the afternoon, as Mr. Prudens 

 had offered that his horses should convey 

 us to the encampment. At S P.M. we 

 parted from our kind host, and in passing 

 through the gate were honoured with a 

 salute of musketry. After riding six miles, 

 we joined the men at their encampment, 

 which was made under the shelter of a few 

 poplars. The dogs had been so much 

 fatigued in wading through the very deep 

 snow with their heavy burdens, having to 

 drag upwards of ninety pounds' weight each, 



