MODE OF PREPARING PEMICAN. 195 ground in a malt-mill, when it resembled finely grated meat. Being next mixed with nearly an equal weight of beef-suet or lard, the preparation of plain pemican was complete; but to render it more agreeable, a proportion of the best Zante currants was added to part of it, and part of it was sweetened with sugar. Both these kinds were much approved of in the sequel by the consumers, but more especially that to which the sugar had been added. After the ingredients were well incorporated by stirring, they were transferred to tin canisters, capable of containing 85 lbs. each *; and having been firmly rammed down, and allowed to contract further by cooling, the air was completely expelled and excluded by filling the canister to the brim with melted lard, through a small hole in the end, which was then covered with a piece of tin and soldered up; finally, the canister was painted and lettered according to its contents." Sir John also adds that more than three-fourths of the original weight of meat is lost during the process of drying! The average cost of pemican prepared as the above, was 1s. 74d. per lb. A list of articles required for the perfect equip ment of a travelling party of eight men (seven men Those supplied to this Expedition contained 40 lbs. each. 196 REMARKABLE SNOW CLIFF. and one officer) for a long journey, say ninety days, will be found in the Appendix. CHAP. IX. Supposed Proceedings of "Investigator."- Object of Lieut. Bedford Pim's Search.- Departure of Banks' Land Party.— A few Words about the Dogs.- Mr. Roche leaves to rejoin Lieut. Pim. The new Sledge "Erin."- Return of Mr. Roche. -Remarkable Phenomenon.- A Musk-Ox killed.— MONDAY the 9th of March, the weather being remarkably fine, with every appearance of its continuing for some days, Captain Kellett decided on despatching Lieut. Bedford Pim, and the Banks' Land party the following day. The sledges were accordingly packed, and everything was arranged for leaving early on Tuesday morning. I have already stated that on the arrival of Lieut. Mecham from Winter Harbour with 198 SUPPOSED PROCEEDINGS OF "INVESTIGATOR." Captain M'Clure's despatch, it was deemed necessary to send a party, as early in the spring as the temperature admitted, to the Bay of Mercy; for, after due consideration of the subject, we had come to the conclusion, that it was quite possible the "Investigator" might not have "broken out" during the autumn of last year, 1852; in that case the scarcity of provisions would render the ship's being abandoned early in the spring absolutely neces sary. In the event of this occurring, we had reason to suppose, from various causes, that Captain M'Clure would make the best of his way to the southward, towards the coast of North America; and as subsistence for such a large party would be doubtful in any one route, it was thought extremely probable that he would divide the crew into two divisions; the one making for the Mackenzie, in the hope of reaching the Fort on Peel River, from whence they might expect to gain Fort Good Hope in August, and thus have time to lay in a stock of provisions for the winter; whilst the other section might easily reach Fort Confidence on the Coppermine, near the Great Bear Lake, in time to communicate, if necessary, with Fort Good Hope, before the winter set in. DEPARTURE OF BANKS' LAND PARTY. 199 Acting therefore on these supposed probabilities, the object of Lieut. Pim and party was to reach the Bay of Mercy as early as practicable; and in the event of the "Investigators" being there, to inform Captain M'Clure of the position of the "Resolute" and "Intrepid" would be the end of his mission; for undoubtedly Captain M'Clure would unhesitatingly abandon the "Investigator," and with his crew make the best of his way towards the "Resolute." If however the "Investigator" was not there, a search was to be made for documents, which would be most likely to serve as a clue to the track she had taken. Lieut. Pim was to follow up this track, after despatching Dr. Domville back to the ship with all the information he could transmit. At the request of Lieut. Pim, Captain Kellett allowed him to have the services of Mr. Roche (mate) and ten men, with ten days' provisions, to assist the parties on their way to Cape Providence. Tuesday, 10th.-At 8:30 A.M. the preparations were reported complete, and the sledges moved forward, with colours flying, taking with them the good wishes of all for their complete success. The travellers were accompanied by the officers |