On the borders of these lakes a few thin pine groves occur, but the country in general is destitute of almost every vegetable, except a few berry-bearing shrubs and lichens, and has a very barren aspect.

The hills are composed of gneiss, but their acclivities are covered with a coarse gravelly soil.

There are many large loose stones both on their sides and summits composed of the same materials as the solid rock.
We crossed another lake in the evening, encamped, and set the nets.

The chief made a large fire to announce our situation to the hunters.
_August 13_ .-- We caught twenty fish this morning, but they were small, and furnished but a scanty breakfast for the party.

Whilst this meal was preparing, our Canadian voyagers, who had been for some days past murmuring at their meagre diet, and striving to get the whole of our little provision to consume at once, broke out into open discontent, and several of them threatened they would not proceed forward unless more food was given to them.