My attention was now turned to the proper equipment of my party, in which I was most ably assisted by Chief-Factor Hargrave and my friend, Mr. W. Mactavish, who was in charge of York during the temporary absence of the former gentleman; so that, with keeping a meteorological journal--in which the temperature of the air, height of the barometer, force and direction of the winds, and state of the weather were registered eight times a day--and taking observations for latitude, longitude, variation of the compass, and dip of the needle, &c., I had occupation enough on my hands. Among other articles which I thought might be useful, were a small sheet-iron stove for each boat, a set of sheet-iron lamps for burning oil after the Esquimaux fashion, some small kettles (commonly called conjurors) having a small basin and perforated tin stand for burning alcohol, a seine net, and four small windows, each of two double panes of glass. An oiled canvass canoe was made, and we also had one of Halkett's air boats, large enough to carry three persons. This last useful and light little vessel ought to form part of the equipment of every expedition. On the 30th April, 1846, that harbinger of spring, the Canada goose, was seen; and so early as the 5th May the ice in Hayes' River commenced breaking up; but it was more than a month after this date before the Nelson or North River opened. At length, on the 12th June, it was reported that a passage was practicable, and everything was got in readiness for making a start on the following day. The crews of the boats were divided as follows:-- NORTH POLE. John Rae. John Corrigal, Orkneyman, Steersman. Richard Turner, half-breed, Middleman. Edward Hutchison, Orkneyman, ditto. Hilard Mineau, Canadian, ditto. Nibitabo, Cree Indian, ditto and hunter. MAGNET. George Flett, Orkneyman, Steersman. John Folster, ditto, Middleman. William Adamson, Zetlander, ditto. Jacques St. Germain, Canadian, ditto. Peter Matheson, Highlander, ditto. All these men had the same wages, namely, £40 per annum, with the promise of a gratuity in the event of good conduct. The lading of each of the boats, including the men's luggage, amounted to about seventy pieces; and with this cargo they were quite deep enough in the water and very much lumbered--so much so that, to allow room for pulling, a quantity of the cargo had to be displaced.