21 in his (Holland's) description of the birds, beasts, etc.; afterwards he mentions a kind of deer, some, but very few, cariboux; they are also equally assiduous and clever in the taking of seals, etc. How Christmas and New Year's days were celebrated, these letters give us no hint, but, we may feel sure they were not allowed to pass without the observance of the accustomed festivities. 's beef was no doubt brought into requisition, the adjoining woods would supply abundance of hares and partridges, or they might get along with the produce of their gardens purchased from the Acadians, while the Military and Naval stores would probably furnish the materials for the traditional plum pudding. But this is only conjecture. Captain Holland 's intention was to continue his survey on the ice during the winter (1764-1765), but, owing to the severity of the weather, he found this impracticable until about the middle of February,—one soldier was frozen to death, and several lost fingers and toes, and not without difficulty recovered. In the meantime Holland and his staff were occupied in completing the original plans of Canada which he brought with him. Holland writes to Secretary John Pownal (April, 1765), "The cold here has been as intense as in any part of America, I have seen, with sudden intervals of rain and soft weather. In this place snows are frequent, attended with thick weather, which makes astronomical observation very difficult; at other times when it has been clear, it has been at the same time so severe as to oblige us often to quit the telescope to prevent the ill consequences of being struck by the frost. The Journal I send you with this will more clearly show the nature of the climate." On 15th February, however, they set out upon their survey in four parties. In the same letter he continues, "Our parties have been obliged to be very small, three for each of us, with a French guide, and a seaman I have got from Captain Mowatt . makes our number five for each party; with these we shall be able, I hope, before the boats arrive from Halifax , to finish the greatest part of the Island, exclusive of the soundings, which must be taken in summer. "Our travelling equipage consists of a sledge of a foot in breadth, by six feet in length, upon which are our beaver skin coats, a buffalo or bear skin, a blanket, canteens and about eight days' provisions, each drawn by a single dog, which we have purchased for that purpose from the Acadians, but as the chainmen, not being able to carry their provisions—which the rest of the party are obliged to do—I have found it absolutely necessary on that account, and in order to receive proper information, to hire an Acadian for each of the gentlemen." In the previous October Captain Holland wrote: "My whole party for carrying the chain, camp, colors, etc., amounts to fifteen men, myself and assistant surveyors, gentlemen, volunteers and servants—thirty-one in all." These were exclusive of Lieutenant Henry Mowatt and his party, who at times would render no assistance. Lieutenant Robinson and Holland finished the , surveyed the carrying place to and St. Peters . Mr. Wright surveyed St. Peters and Governor's Islands, then proceeded to Malpeck. Mr. Robinson surveyed towards Bay Fortune eastward and from thence to the Three Rivers, "since which time he has returned by water, though not without difficulty, being in distance about 60 miles, and the greatest part of the way covered with ice." In a letter from Holland to Lord Hillsborough ,