which is to form the floor of the dwelling, and whose
evenness was previously ascertained by probing. The slabs
requisite to complete the dome, after the interior of the
circle is exhausted, are cut from some neighboring spot. Each
slab is neatly fitted to its place by running a flenching-knife
along the joint, when it instantly freezes to the wall, the
cold atmosphere forming a most excellent cement. Crevices are
plugged up, and seams accurately closed by throwing a few
shovelfuls of loose snow over the fabric. Two men generally
work together in raising a house, and the one who is stationed
within cuts a low door, and creeps out when his task is over.
The walls being only three or four inches thick, are
sufficiently translucent to admit a very agreeable light, which
serves for ordinary domestic purposes; but if more be required
a window is cut, and the aperture fitted with a piece of
transparent ice. The proper thickness of the walls is of some
importance. A few inches excludes the wind, yet keeps down the
temperature so as to prevent dripping from the interior. The
furniture--such as seats, tables, and sleeping-places--is also
formed of snow, and a covering of folded reindeer-skin or
seal-skin renders them comfortable to the inmates. By means of
ante-chambers and porches, in form of long, low galleries, with
their openings turned to leeward, warmth is insured in the
interior; and social intercourse is promoted by building the
houses contiguously, and cutting doors of communication between
them, or by erecting covered passages. Storehouses, kitchens
and other accessory buildings, may be constructed in the same
manner, and a degree of convenience gained which would be
attempted in vain with a less plastic material. These houses
are durable, the wind has little effect on them, and they
resist the thaw until the sun acquires very considerable
power."

The following account of the formation of dry land is from an earlier
portion of the journey, and refers to a region between the 50th and 55th
degrees of latitude:

"The eastern coast-line of Lake Winipeg is in general swampy,
with granite knolls rising through the soil, but not to such a
height as to render the scenery hilly. The pine forest skirts
the shore at the distance of two or three miles, c