CHAPTER II.

ARRIVAL AT YORK FACTORY--ITS
SITUATION--CLIMATE--NATIVES--REIN-DEER--VOYAGE TO
UNGAVA--INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE--ARRIVAL AT UNGAVA--SITUATION
AND ASPECT.


I arrived at York Factory, the dépôt of the Northern department, early
in July. This establishment presents a more respectable appearance
than any other that I have seen in Rupert's Land, and reflects no
small credit on the talents and taste of him who planned, and partly
executed, the existing improvements, all which have been effected
since the coalition. When Mr. McT. first assumed the command, the
buildings were of the most wretched description--the apartments
had more the appearance of cells for criminals, than of rooms for
gentlemen.

The yielding nature of the swampy ground on which the buildings were
to be erected rendering it necessary to lay a solid foundation, the
object was accomplished in the face of every difficulty, and at a
great expense; and the present commodious buildings were commenced,
but not finished by the projector. Other improvements have been made
since then, so that they afford every comfort and convenience that
could be expected in so unfavourable a situation.

The dépôt is at present under the charge of a chief factor, assisted
by a chief trader, a surgeon, and two clerks. Here there is always a