OF THE POLAR SEA. 215 



summer. The observations on the mag- 

 netic needle, the temperature of the atmos- 

 phere, the Aurora Borealis, and other me- 

 teorological phenomena, together with the 

 mineralogical and botanical notices, being 

 less interesting to the general reader, are 

 omitted in this edition. 



The men continued to work diligently at 

 the house, and by the 30th of September 

 had nearly completed it for our reception, 

 when a heavy fall of rain washed the greater 

 part of the mud off the roof. This rain 

 was remarked by the Indians as unusual, 

 after what they had deemed so decided a 

 commencement of winter in the early part 

 of the month. The mean temperature for 

 the month was 33-|°, but the thermometer 

 had sunk as low as 16°, and on one occa- 

 sion rose to 53°. 



Besides the party constantly employed at 

 the house, two men were appointed to fish, 

 and others were occasionally sent for meat, 

 as the hunters procured it. This latter 

 employment, although extremely laborious, 

 was always relished by the Canadians, as 



