21 
followed to a gap between far distant islands. This gap was the entrance 
to a passage 4 miles long and running 302 degrees (astronomic). For the 
remainder of the day a general course of about west-northwest was followed 
along long passages among islands and across intervening open stretches, 
some of which extended long distances northwards as bays in the main- 
land. The country is very low and seems to fall away to the north where 
it does not rise above 30 or 40 feet. 
On January 29 a course of 290 degrees (astronomic) was followed so 
as to strike across the lake. As the mainland receded, the islands became 
smaller and more and more widely scattered. At a distance of 18 miles, 
the last islands were passed. Camp was made on the lake 21 \ miles from 
the last camp site. 
On January 30, the westerly course was continued and in the after- 
noon the western shore of the lake was reached at a place thought to lie 
north of Koukjuak river. 
On January 31 the westward journey was continued, following a 
course of 290 degrees. The land continued flat and except for the presence 
here and there of stalks of grass projecting above the snow, the impression 
was as if the route still lay over the ice-covered lake. Towards noon, 
higher land was visible ahead; this was a range of hills seen from Koukjuak 
river the previous autumn. By afternoon the low outskirts of the hills, 
rising almost imperceptibly from the tundra, were reached. The hills 
proved to be about 30 feet high and gently rolling. Their upper parts 
were swept nearly free of snow. The route followed led across a part of 
the edge of the “hills”, the boundary of which runs west-northwest. Camp 
was made on the tundra and here all supplies, except those required for a 
five day trip, were cached. 
On February 1 the westward journey was continued with the lightened 
loads. In the course of a couple of miles a southward projecting spur of 
the “hills” was crossed. Beyond this the edge of the hills turned north 
and the course continued across the flat tundra. Towards evening, the 
dark cloud of vapour hanging over the open water of Foxe basin was 
visible. Camp was made a short distance from the seashore. 
On February 2 the coast was found to run northeast in one direction 
and southeast in the other. It was bordered by a wide tidal flat packed 
with broken ice resting on mud. To the south and southeast a line of 
vapour extended inland, probably indicating the course of the lower part 
of Koukjuak river which is reported to have a swift current. Back from 
the shore the land rises very slowly. 
As a result of the journey, it appears that Foxe Basin coast in about 
latitude 67 degrees lies, approximately, at 73 degrees west longitude instead 
of at 75 degrees as hitherto represented on maps. From the east end of 
Nettilling lake to Foxe basin, the distance is about 110 miles along a 
bearing of 295 degrees. Nettilling lake is about half the size it has been 
represented to be. 
The shore w T as followed northeast for 5 miles. About 6 miles ahead, 
what appeared to be low hills were seen. They may be a continuation of 
those crossed inland. The night of February 2 was spent in the camp of 
February 1. 
On February 3 the return trip was commenced. Nettilling lake was 
reached in the afternoon of February 4 and the shore followed north. The 
lake shore is bordered by gravel ridges rising to 15 to 20 feet. 
