It is probably very deep, for we saw no islands on this wide expanse, except at the borders.

On the south-west side were two forts, belonging to the Companies, and near them a solitary hill seven or eight hundred feet high.

At eight P.M.we encamped in the Methye River, at the confluence of the river Pembina.

A route has been explored by it to the Red Willow River, across the height of land, but the difficulties of it were so great, that the ordinary route is preferred.
On the 3d we passed through the Methye River, and encamped on the borders of the Methye Lake.

The soil from Isle a la Crosse to this place is sandy, with some portion of clay, and the trees numerous; but the Methye River is stony, and so shallow, that to lighten the canoes, we made two portages of five and two miles.