OF THE POLAR SEA. 



253 



Our observations place the North- West 

 Company's House in latitude 55° 53' 00" N., 

 longitude 108° 51' 10" W., variation 22° 33' 

 22" E. 



The shores of Buffalo Lake are of mode- 

 rate height and well wooded, but immedi- 

 ately beyond the bank the country is very 

 swampy and intersected with water in every 

 direction. At some distance from the 

 western side there is a conspicuous hill, 

 which we hailed with much pleasure, as 

 being the first interruption to the tediously 

 uniform scene we had for some time passed 

 through. 



On the 10th we recommenced our journey 

 after breakfast, and travelled quickly, as we 

 had the advantage of a well-beaten track. 

 At the end of eighteen miles we entered 

 upon the river " Loche," which, has a ser- 

 pentine course, and is confined between al- 

 luvial banks that support stunted willows 

 and a few pines ; we encamped about three 

 miles further on; and in the course of the 

 next day's march perceived several holes 

 on the ice, and many unsafe places for the 



