OF THE POLAR SEA. 



251 



At nine the next morning, we came to 

 the commencement of Clear Lake. We 

 crossed its southern extremes, and then 

 went over a point of land to Buffalo Lake, 

 and encamped after travelling twenty-six 

 miles. After supper we were entertained 

 till midnight with paddling songs, by our 

 Canadians, who required very little stimulus 

 beyond their natural vivacity to afford us 

 this diversion. The next morning we ar- 

 rived at the establishments which are si- 

 tuated on the western side of the lake, near 

 a small stream, called the Beaver River. 

 They were small log buildings, hastily 

 erected last October, for the convenience of 

 the Indians who hunt in the vicinity. Mr. 

 Mac Murray, a partner in the North- West 

 Company, having sent to Isle a la Crosse 

 an invitation to Mr. Back and I, our ca- 

 rioles were driven to his post, and we ex- 

 perienced the kindest reception. These 

 posts are frequented by only a few Indians, 

 Crees and Chipewyans. The country round 

 is not sufficiently stocked with animals to 

 afford support to many families, and the 



