126 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



last. This circumstance convinced us of the necessity of our present 

 journey. 



These establishments are situated on the southern side of the 

 lake, and close to each other. They are forts of considerable im- 

 portance, being placed at a point of communication with the English 

 Biver, the Athabasca, and Columbia Districts. The country around 

 them is low, and intersected with water, and was formerly much 

 frequented by beavers and otters, which, however, have been so much 

 hunted by the Indians, that their number is greatly decreased. The 

 Indians frequenting these forts are the Crees and some Chipewyans ; 

 they scarcely ever come except in the spring and autumn ; in the 

 former season to bring their winter's collection of furs, and in the 

 latter to get the stores they require. 



Three Chipewyan lads came in during our stay, to report what 

 furs the band to which they belonged had collected, and to desire 

 they might be sent for ; the Indians having declined bringing either 

 furs or meat themselves, since the opposition between the Com- 

 panies commenced. Mr. Back drew the portrait of one of the 

 boys. 



Isle a la Crosse lake receives its name from an island situated 

 near the forts, on which the Indians formerly assembled annually to 

 amuse themselves at the game of the Cross. It is justly celebrated 

 for abundance of the finest tittameg, which weigh from five to fifteen 

 pounds. The residents live principally upon this most delicious 

 fish, which fortunately can be eaten a long time without producing 

 any disrelish. They are plentifully caught with nets throughout 

 the year, except for two or three months. 



March 4. — W e witnessed the Aurora Borealis very brilliant for 

 the second time since our departure from Cumberland. A winter 

 encampment is not a favourable situation for viewing this pheno- 

 menon, as the trees in general hide the sky. Arrangements had 

 been made for recommencing our journey to-day, but the wind was 



