One of the sledges had been so much broken the day before in the woods, that we had to divide its cargo among the others.
We started after this had been arranged, and finding almost immediately a firm track, soon arrived at some Indian lodges to which it led.

The inhabitants were Crees, belonging to the posts on the Saskatchawan, from whence they had come to hunt beaver.

We made but a short stay, and proceeded through a Swamp to Pelican Lake.

Our view to the right was bounded by a range of lofty hills, which extended for several miles in a north and south direction, which, it may be remarked, was that of all the hilly land we had passed since quitting the plain.
Pelican Lake is of an irregular form, about six miles from east to west, and eight from north to south; it decreases to the breadth of a mile towards the northern extremity, and is there terminated by a creek.

We went up this creek for a short distance, and then struck into the woods, and encamped among a cluster of the firs, which the Canadians term cypres{34} (_pinus Banksiana_,) having come fourteen miles and a half.
_February 16_ .-- Shortly after commencing the journey to-day, we met an Indian and his family, who had come from the houses at Green Lake; they informed us the track was well beaten the whole way.