We then found our error as to the strength of the wind; and that the gale still blew violently, and there was so much drifting of the snow as to cover the distant objects by which our course could be directed.

We fortunately got a glimpse through this cloud of a cluster of islands in the direction of the houses, and decided on walking towards them; but in doing this we suffered very much from the cold, and were obliged to halt under the shelter of them, and await the arrival of our Indian guide.

He conducted us between these islands, over a small lake and by a swampy river, into the Athabasca Lake, from whence the establishments were visible.

At four P.M.we had the pleasure of arriving at Fort Chipewyan, and of being received by Messrs.

Keith and Black, the partners of the North-West Company in charge, in the most kind and hospitable manner.
Thus terminated a winter's journey of eight hundred and fifty-seven miles, in the progress of which there was a great intermixture of agreeable and disagreeable circumstances.