There were frequent snow-showers during the day.
_February 23_ .-- The night was very stormy, but the wind became more moderate in the morning.

We passed to-day through several nameless lakes and swamps before we came to Train Lake, which received its name from being the place where the traders procured the birch to make their sledges, or traineaux; but this wood has been all used, and there only remain pines and a few poplars.

We met some sledges laden with fish, kindly sent to meet us by Mr.Clark, of the Hudson's Bay Company, on hearing of our approach.

Towards the evening the weather became much more unpleasant, and we were exposed to a piercingly cold wind, and much snow-drift, in traversing the Isle a la Crosse Lake; we were, therefore, highly pleased at reaching the Hudson's Bay House by six P.M.We were received in the most friendly manner by Mr.Clark, and honoured by volleys of musketry.

Similar marks of attention were shewn to us on the following day by Mr.Bethune, the partner in charge of the North-West Company's Fort.