OF THE POLAR SEA. 247 



from Cumberland, in November last, to the 

 partners of the North- West Company, in 

 Athabasca, which circumstance convinced 

 me of the necessity of our present journey. 



These establishments are situated on the 

 southern side of the lake, and close to each 

 other. They are forts of considerable im- 

 portance, being placed at a point of com- 

 munication with the English river, the 

 Athabasca, and Columbia districts. The 

 country around them is low, and intersected 

 with water, and was formerly much fre- 

 quented by beavers and otters, which, how- 

 ever, have been so much hunted by the 

 Indians, that their number is greatly de- 

 creased. The Indians frequenting these 

 forts are the Crees and some Chipewyans ; 

 they scarcely ever come except in the spring 

 and autumn ; in the former season to bring 

 their winter's collection of furs, and in the 

 latter to get the stores they require. 



Three Chipewyan lads came in during 

 our stay, to report what furs the band to 

 which they belonged had collected, and to 

 desire they might be sent for ; the Indians 



