The three canoes were mounted on sledges and nine men were appointed to conduct them, having the assistance of two dogs to each canoe.

The stores and provisions were distributed equally among the rest of our men, except a few small articles which the Indians carried.

The provision consisted of only two bags of pemmican, two of pounded meat, five of suet, and two small bundles of dried provision, together with fresh meat sufficient for our supper at night.

It was gratifying to witness the readiness with which the men prepared for and commenced a journey which threatened to be so very laborious, as each of them had to drag upwards of one hundred and eighty pounds on his sledge.
Our course led down the main channel of the lake, which varied in breadth from half a mile to three miles; but we proceeded at a slow pace as the snow which fell last night and still lay on the ice very much impeded the sledges.

Many extensive arms branched off on the north side of this channel and it was bounded on the south by a chain of lofty islands.