The weather was perfectly clear.
_January 19_ .-- We arose this morning after the enjoyment of a sound and comfortable repose, and recommenced our journey at sunrise, but made slow progress through the deep snow.

The task of beating the track for the dogs was so very fatiguing, that each of the men took the lead in turn, for an hour and a half.

The scenery of the banks of the river improved as we advanced to-day; some firs and poplars were intermixed with the willows.

We passed through two creeks, formed by islands, and encamped on a pleasant spot on the north shore, having only made six miles and three quarters actual distance.
The next day we pursued our course along the river; the dogs had the greatest difficulty in dragging their heavy burdens through the snow.

We halted to refresh them at the foot of Sturgeon River, and obtained the latitude 53 deg.