OF THE POLAR SEA. 



103 



but, after walking sixteen miles, we came to a spot better wooded, 

 and encamped opposite to a remarkable place, called by the voyagers 

 " The Neck of Land." 



On the thirtieth we directed our course round The Neck of Land, 

 which is well clothed with pines and firs ; though the opposite or 

 western bank is nearly destitute of wood. This contrast between 

 the two banks continued until we reached the commencement of 

 what our companions called the barren grounds, when both the 

 banks were alike bare. Vast plains extend behind the southern 

 bank, which afford excellent pasturage for the buffalo, or other 

 grazing animals. In the evening we saw a herd of the former, but 

 could not get near to them. After walking fifteen miles we en- 

 camped. The men's provision having been entirely expended last 

 night, we shared our small stock with them. The poor dogs had 

 been toiling some days on the most scanty fare ; their rapacity, in 

 consequence, was unbounded ; they forced open a deal box, containing 

 tea, &c, to get at a small piece of meat which had been incautiously 

 placed in it. 



As soon as daylight permitted, the party commenced their march, 

 in the expectation of reaching Carlton House to breakfast, but we 

 did not arrive until noon, although the track was good. We were 

 received by Mr. Prudens, the gentleman in charge of the post, with 

 that friendly attention which Governor Williams's circular was cal- 

 culated to ensure at every station; and were soon afterwards regaled 

 with a substantial dish of buffalo steaks, which would have been 

 thought excellent under any circumstances, but were particularly 

 relished by us, though eaten without either bread or vegetables, 

 after our travelling fare of dried meat and pemmican. After this 

 repast, we had the comfort of changing our travelling dresses, which 

 had been worn for fourteen days. This was a gratification which 

 can only be truly estimated by those who may have been placed 

 under similar circumstances. I was still in too great pain from 



