OF THE POLAR SEA. 



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killed a deer. Though Mr. Back was much fatigued he set off with 

 me immediately, and in the evening we rejoined our friends on the 

 borders of the Big Lake. The Indians informed us that Fontano 

 only remained a few hours with them, and then continued his 

 journey. We had to oppose a violent gale and frequent snow storms 

 through the day, which unseasonable weather caused the tempera- 

 ture to descend below the freezing point this evening. The situa- 

 tion of our encampment being bleak, and our fuel stunted green 

 willows, we passed a very cold and uncomfortable night. 



June 18.— Though the breeze was moderate this morning, the 

 atmosphere was piercingly keen. When on the point of starting, 

 we perceived Mr. Wentzel's party coming, and awaited his arrival to 

 learn whether the canoes had received any injury during the severe 

 weather of yesterday. Finding they had not, we proceeded to get 

 upon the ice on the lake, which could not be effected without 

 walking up to the waist in water, for some distance from its borders. 

 We had not the command of our feet in this situation, and the men 

 fell often ; poor Junius broke through the ice with his heavy burden 

 on his back, but fortunately was not hurt. 



This lake is extensive, and large arms branch from its main 

 course in different directions. At these parts we crossed the pro- 

 jecting points of land, and on each occasion had to wade as before, 

 which so wearied every one, that we rejoiced when we reached its 

 north side and encamped, though our resting-place was a bare rock, 

 We had the happiness of finding Fontano at this place. The poor 

 fellow had passed the three preceding days without tasting food, and 

 was exhausted by anxiety and hunger. His sufferings were con- 

 sidered to have been a sufficient punishment for his imprudent 

 conduct in separating from us, and we only admonished him to be 

 more cautious in future. 



Having received information that the hunters had killed a deer, 

 we sent three men to fetch the meat, which was distributed between 



