OF THE POLAR SEA. 



235 



that they could get no farther. Soon after 

 our arrival, the snow began to fall heavily, 

 and it continued through the greater part 

 of the night. 



Our next day's march was therefore par- 

 ticularly tedious, the snow being deep, and 

 the route lying across an unvarying level, 

 destitute of wood, except one small cluster 

 of willows. In the afternoon we reached 

 the end of the plain, and came to an eleva- 

 tion, on which poplars, willows, and some 

 pines grew, where we encamped ; having 

 travelled ten miles. We crossed three 

 small lakes, two of fresh water and one of 

 salt, near the latter of which we encamped, 

 and were, in consequence, obliged to use 

 for our tea, water made from snow, which 

 has always a disagreeable taste. 



We had scarcely ascended the hill on the 

 following morning, when a large herd of 

 red-deer was perceived grazing at a little 

 distance ; and, though we were amply sup- 

 plied with provision, our Canadian compa- 

 nions could not resist the temptation of en- 

 deavouring to add to our stock. A half- 



