164 



JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



the afternoon traversed three other grassy 

 lakes, and encamped on the banks of the 

 river at the end of the Yellow-Knife Port- 

 age, of three hundred and fifty paces. This 

 day's work was very laborious to our men. 

 Akaitcho, however, had directed his party 

 to assist them in carrying their burdens on 

 the portages, which they did cheerfully. 

 This morning Mr. Back caught several fish 

 with a fly, a method of fishing entirely new 

 to the Indians ; and they were not more 

 delighted than astonished at his skill and 

 success. The extremes of temperature to- 

 day were 54° and 65°. 



On August 5 th we continued the ascent 

 of the river, which varied much in breadth, 

 as did the current in rapidity. It flows 

 between high rocky banks, on which there 

 is sufficient soil to support pines, birch, and 

 poplars. Five portages were crossed, then 

 the Rocky Lake, and we finished our labours 

 at the end of the sixth portage. The issue 

 of dried meat for breakfast this morning 

 had exhausted all oui; stock ; and no other 

 provision remained but the portable soups, 



