We therefore, put forth our utmost speed in the hope of reaching them by night; but were disappointed, and had to halt at dark, about twelve miles from them, in a fisherman's hut, which was unoccupied.

Frequent showers of snow fell during the day, and the atmosphere was thick and gloomy.
We started at an early hour the following morning, and reached the Hudson's Bay Company's post to breakfast, and were received very kindly by Mr.Mac Farlane, the gentleman in charge.

The other establishment, situated on the opposite side of the river, was under the direction of Mr.Dugald Cameron, one of the partners of the North-West Company, on whom Mr.Back and I called soon after our arrival, and were honoured with a salute of musquetry.
These establishments are small, but said to be well situated for procuring furs; as the numerous creeks in their vicinity are much resorted to by the beaver, otter, and musquash.

The residents usually obtain a superabundant supply of provision.

This season, however, they barely had sufficient for their own support, owing to the epidemic which has incapacitated the Indians for hunting.