OF THE POLAR SEA. 



23 



who are constantly prowling about the 

 circle, and snatching at every kind of food 

 that happens to be within their reach. 

 These useful animals are a comfort to them 

 afterwards, by the warmth they impart, 

 when lying down by their side or feet, as 

 they usually do. But the greatest gratifi- 

 cations a traveller in these regions enjoys, 

 are derived from the hospitable welcome he 

 receives at every trading post, however 

 poor the means of the host may be ; and 

 from being disrobed even for a short time 

 of the trappings of a voyager, and experi- 

 encing the pleasures of cleanliness. 



The following are the estimated distances, 

 in statute miles, which Mr. Back and I had 

 travelled since our departure from Cumber- 

 land : 



From Cumberland House to Carlton House 263 

 From Carlton to Isle a la Crosse .... 230 

 From Isle a la Crosse to north side of the 



Methye Portage 124 



From the Methye Portage to Fort Chipew- 



yan 240 



857 miles. 



