OF THE POLAR SEA. 



51 



the bottom of the Lake of the Hills, on Red 

 Deer Lake, and to Churchill. The distance, 

 however, of the latter post from their hunt- 

 ing grounds, and the sufferings to which 

 they are exposed in going thither from 

 want of food, have induced those, who were 

 formerly accustomed to visit it, to convey 

 their furs to some nearer station. 



These people are so minutely described 

 by Hearne and Mackenzie, that little can 

 be added by a passing stranger, whose 

 observations were made during short inter- 

 views, and when they were at the forts, 

 where they lay aside many of their distin- 

 guishing characteristics, and strive to imitate 

 the manners of the voyagers and traders. 



The Chipewyans are by no means pre- 

 possessing in appearance : they have broad 

 faces, projecting cheek-bones and wide 

 nostrils ; but they have generally good 

 teeth, and fine eyes. When at the fort they 

 imitate the dress of the Canadians, except 

 that, instead of trowsers, they prefer the 

 Indian stockings, which only reach from the 

 thigh to the ancle, and in place of the 

 e 2 



