A day of rest, the first the dogs have had since leaving Etah 25 days ago. Near-sing-walk and Archie have gone after game; E-took-al's troo is dying but every thing while I take observations. We are encamped on a small island about - a mile from land, not on the map. I make our latitude 77° 48' 2''.2 compass variation 145° W. We are practically between the two poles where theoretically the variation should be 180°, the maximum, where north is south, where east is west! Where things are somewhat- twisted ! Our two eubs were delicious eating, let other explorers say what they will about bear meat. 4 P.M. Boys back; no success. Refort tracks of caribou, martigan, and hare.