OF THE POLAR SEA. 



171 



crossed the Upper Carp Portage, and em- 

 barked on the lake of that name, where we 

 had the gratification of paddling for ten 

 miles. We put up at its termination to 

 fish, by the advice of our guide, and the 

 following observations were then taken : 

 longitude 113° 46' 35" W., variation of the 

 compass 36° 45' 30" E., dip 87° 11' 48". 

 At this place we first perceived the north 

 end of our dipping-needle to pass the per- 

 pendicular line when the instrument was 

 faced to the west. 



We had scarcely quitted the encampment 

 next day before an Indian met us, with the 

 agreeable communication, that the hunters 

 had made several fires, which were certain 

 indications of their having killed rein-deer. 

 This intelligence inspired our companions 

 with fresh energy, and they quickly traversed 

 the next portage, and paddled through the 

 | Rein-Deer Lake ; at the north side of it we 

 found the canoes of our hunters, and learned 

 from our guide, that the Indians usually 

 leave their canoes here, as the water com- 

 munication on their hunting grounds is bad. 



