248 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



having declined bringing either furs or meat 

 themselves, since the opposition between 

 the Companies commenced. Mr. Back 

 drew a portrait of one of the boys. 



Isle a la Crosse Lake receives its name 

 from an island situated near the forts, on 

 which the Indians formerly assembled an- 

 nually to amuse themselves at the game of 

 the cross. It is justly celebrated for abun- 

 dance of the finest tittameg, which weigh 

 from five to fifteen pounds. The residents 

 live principally upon this most delicious 

 fish, which fortunately can be eaten for a 

 long time without disrelish. It is plentifully 

 caught with nets throughout the year, ex- 

 cept for two or three months. 



March 4. — We witnessed the Aurora 

 Borealis very brilliant for the second time 

 since our departure from Cumberland. A 

 winter encampment is not a favourable 

 situation for viewing this phenomenon, as 

 the trees in general hide the sky. Ar- 

 rangements had been made for recom- 

 mencing our journey to-day, but the wind 

 was stormy, and the snow had drifted too 



