NORTH-WEST CONTINENT OF AMERICA, 11

{mall ifland and proceeded to gum the canoe. At this time the atmofphere — 1789-
was fufficiently clear to admit of reading or writing without the aid of —~—~
artificial light. We had not feen a ftar fince the fecond day after we left
Athabafca. About twelve o’clock, the moon made its appearance above

the tops of the trees, the lower horn being in a ftate of eclipfe, which
continued for about fix minutes, in a cloudlefs fky. i

I took foundings three times in the courfe of the traverfe, when I found
fix fathoms water, with a muddy bottom.

We were prevented from embarking this morning by a very flrong Tuelday 16.
wind from the North, and the vaft quantity of floating ice. Some trout
were caught with the hook and line, but the net was not fo fuccefsful.
I had an obfervation which gave 61. 28. North latitude.

The wind becoming moderate, we embarked about one, taking a
North-Weft courfe, through iflands of ten miles, in which we took in
a confiderable quantity of water. After making feveral traverfes, we i
landed at five P. M. and having pitched our tents, the hooks, lines, and
nets, were immediately fet. During the courfe of the day there was
occafional thunder.

We proceeded, and taking up our nets as we pafled, we found no Wednef. 17.

more than feventeen fifh, and were flopped within a mile by the ice.

The Indians, however, brought us back to a point where our fifhery
was very fuccefsful. They proceeded alfo on an hunting party, as well
as to difcover a paflage among the iflands; but at three in the alter;

C2 noon

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