Ever since this event, the copper has only been found in small detached pieces on the surface of the earth." On the 10th of May we were gratified by the appearance of spring, though the ice remained firm on the lake.

The anemone (pulsatilla, pasque flower,) appeared this day in flower, the trees began to put forth their leaves, and the musquitoes visited the warm rooms.

On the 17th and 18th there were frequent showers of rain, and much thunder and lightning.

This moist weather caused the ice to waste so rapidly, that by the 24th it had entirely disappeared from the lake.

The gentlemen belonging to both the Companies quickly arrived from the different posts in this department, bringing their winter's collection of furs, which are forwarded from these establishments to the depots.
I immediately waited on Mr.Colin Robertson, the agent of the Hudson's Company, and communicated to him, as I had done before to the several partners of the North-West Company, our plan, and the requisitions we should have to make on each Company, and I requested of all the gentlemen the favour of their advice and suggestions.