The hills present the bold character of rugged sterility, whilst the valleys, at this season, are clothed with luxuriant verdure.
It was not till the 14th, that, by appointment, the boatmen were to assemble at the house of Mr.Geddes, to engage to accompany the Expedition.

Several persons collected, but to my great mortification, I found they were all so strongly possessed with the fearful apprehension, either that great danger would attend the service, or that we should carry them further than they would agree to go, that not a single man would engage with us; some of them, however, said they would consider the subject, and give me an answer on the following day.

This indecisive conduct was extremely annoying to me, especially as the next evening was fixed for the departure of the ships.
At the appointed time on the following morning, four men only presented themselves, and these, after much hesitation, engaged to accompany the Expedition to Fort Chipewyan, if they should be required so far.

The bowmen and steersmen were to receive forty pounds' wages annually, and the middle men thirty-five pounds.

They stipulated to be sent back to the Orkney Islands, free of expense, and to receive their pay until the time of arrival.