Diary, 1903-1904, of trips with A. F. Camsell, Merritt Cary, and Alfred Emerson Preble to the Athabaska-Mackenzie region

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Saturday May 23. Remained on the Island. Did some collecting and packed our outfit part of which we are to ship down to Smith Landing and perhaps farther and a part take with us in our canoe as soon as we get past the rapids. Removed our camp toward evening to the lower end of the Island, as Baptiste thought we would cross to the main shore below the Island. We did not cross however but camped at the lower end and made the campfires. Sunday May 24. Today being Sunday nothing was done toward getting away. Mr. P. remained on the Island, therefore and took a few photos and collected some insects. Have very reason to suppose we will get away early tomorrow as the boats are lying ready to load. The day has been fine with only one slight shower Monday May 25. We left the Island shortly after noon and as soon as the 4 boats had successfully run the Little Grand Rapid we started off. The banks back from the river remain high as at Grand Rapids and are well wooded except where burnt off. Considerable sugar banks of the Grand Rapid Sand- stone being exposed at intervals. We camped just before dusk on the left bank a short distance above Little Buffalo River. Tuesday May 26. Pushed off about 6 o'clock and continued on down the river past a few minutes Little Buffalo River on the left, where there is a large flow of gas. Banks very high, showing apparents of G.R. Sandstone, the several terraces well exposed. Considerable quan- tities of ice still remain on the banks in places, and some banks of snow and ice in the ravines on the slopes of the valley. The catkins of the willow peoples are out, and the aspens and birches show trees of tiny green leaves. During the day we successfully and successfully ran the Brule, Bailey, Thrace, Long, Crooked & Stony Rapid, experiencing no delay except at the Long Rapid, where some of the steerermen changed boats. The Crooked and Stony Rapids were run shortly,
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before dusk, and we then encamped on the left bank, about a mile above Little Cascade Rapids. The day, especially in the afternoon was warm, and vegetation made great progress; the aspen leaves especially shewing much more (Mainly at night) them at noon. Nagel (Corylus) was noted just below Long Rapids, also (Adees) Wednesday, May 27. We pushed on about 6.20 miles Little Cascade Rapids and and crossing the river tied up, to the right bank, to remain while the guides went to examine the Big Cascade Rapids which the low state of the water rendered serious. It Commenced to rain about the middle of the afternoon and continued for several hours. In the meantime the guide has decided that the raft could not run only with half loads. We therefore crossed to the left bank and tied up at some distance above the Rapids, and unloading half the cargo from the boats ran two of them with this half loads successfully. The party all encamped at the point where the boats unloaded. The men returned with the empty boats for a fresh load just before night. In the early evening shot an adult & Flying Squirrel near our tent. Very few birds were noted today. Thursday, May 28. In the morning the men set to work to finish transporting the goods past the rapids but an account of the distance has consumed nearly the whole day so that it was about 6 p.m. before the boats left the Big Cascade. We then floated on down the river and reached Fort McMurray about 9. We did not land but tied up for about an hour a short distance above the "Forks" where the men were paid off and provisioned for the return trip & Grant Rapids, Baptiste Fourcree with two Chipewyan boys intending to take the scenes to Fort Chipewyan. The men in returning to Grant Rapids follow a trail through the Muskeg at some distance back from the river thus shortening the distance though the trail is very bad. As soon as the settlement with the men was over, in setting down the river, intending to float all night as the night was clear and still.
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Friday May 29. We floated all night and passed the post at Latter Red Rim 30 miles below McMurray, about 4 p.m. The banks continued quite high all day. At about 2 o'clock we passed the site of Pierre au Calamet, one of the earliest posts to be established on this river or in the region. I examined the site and found the cellars and remains of one or two chimneys still marking the spot. Among the banks of the caves in cellars were two burrows of Arctomys. Many birds some not being noted before nor seen today and are elsewhere noted. The day was mostly fine but a shower with some wind came up in the afternoon so that we were nearly on the point of tying up one or two ocea. sions, but it cleared and we kept on into the night. Saturday, May 30. We floated all night and passed Poplar Point, 80 miles below Fort McMurray, about 6 a.m. at Point Bond there there are some cabins and where C. Fren., at the R.C.Co. maintain trading posts for a part of the winter, about 8 o'clock at this point the banks were high but the banks were above us very much lowered and shortly after this place is passed they became quite steep, steel corner bring away 8 or 10 feet above the present stagger of the water. Stretches of white Spruce alternate with groves of balsam Poplars with two sprain seem together. The undergrowth is faldus, various willows, cornel, etc. Shortly after noon we passed a long bank on the right where the bank was of gravel and upward of 10 feet in height. Beyond this the banks again became lower. A mile or two below this stretch or more obliged to tie up to the bank. The road being so strong that we could not round the steep sharp bends with the heavy scows. In the poplar woods near where we tired up. We found a family of quailin groves foxes and collected one, also took a snap of one of them among the willows. The willows and Poplars are today showing their colors quite conspicuously. The day has been quite warm and small birds are common. At night the wind is still blowing and ice shell probably form where we are.
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Sunday May 31 & 20 miles from mouth of River We started off about 3 am and floated until about noon but did not make very good headway on account of the wind and were finally obliged to tie up to the bank. It shoneed quite heavily and we remained all night The banks are heavily wooded with willow, alden, baleam poplars. Few spruces are seen below the proximity of "the old Fort" as none seen today. a great many goldeneys, one seen today. On one occasion 3 pairs not seen prospecting about a meeting site on a popular stick. Monday June 1. Pushed off early but did not make much headway on account of wind and were obliged to tie up Some time before noon. about 10 miles above the mouth of the river. Several Glades of Rose Smart grass not seen and one was shot. also some nipped Grume. Late in the afternoon the small steamer belonging to the Catholic Mission at Fort Chip. Jerry came to meet the steams, but the Wind continues to blow so hard that we could not start. Tuesday June 2 As the morning was fine we started early and soon reached the Lake. When we started across the Lake was nearly calm but after shortly after sunrise the wind freshened and the little steamer with the four heavy sews had plenty to do. The wind increased and the sews were in danger of swamping, but we finally reached the shelter of the islands near the fort and passing Chippewyan tied up in the shelter of an old man's ruin the outlet of the Lake. I put in the after noon skinny grume and the Javes shot yesterday, as I was afraid that I would not get another specimen, though the one shot was considerably sized. Wednesday June 3. Remained all day at the Island. As no cause not till when 28 more leaks to start, caused not called much made a trip to the Fort and there met some old acquaintance. Heard foxes trilling in a swamp near the Catholic Mission. Took a number of photos. Thursday June 4. The wind blew hard all day and we were unable to start. Collected some plants and J.A. in several hours looking up birds.
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on the mainland in the early morning saw probably 200 Rats. Snow geese flying by, leaving the lake in a N.E. direction. Arctostaphylos cana varii in flower and Amelanchier alba. I saw 2 Rires, and Viburnum, and lunch less than half out. Friday June 5. We left the island near Chippewyan about midnight and entering the channel leading to Racher River proceeded a few miles until I reached the small lake. When the mud from the west was so strong that we were driving against a mud bar and effectively stopped. I found that the place was the one where we were similarly detained 2 years before, and which we left June 5. In this morning we paddled to an adjoining island and from it were able to walk on the dried mud- bar to the place where our camp was formerly situated. The place was but little changed and several birds of kinds were observed frequently the same spots where we had observed Then before, a Fox den also was still tenanted and brought a slumber of the mother, a red one, as stole off into the forest on our approach. The marsh was now nearly dry, and consequently fewer birds were seen there. Arctostaphylos was in flower, able Viburnum, Amelanchier, Ribs, and some other species were collected by the party. A few birds were shot. Shortly before 8 P.M. The wind fell considerably and the party started across the lake at this point about a mile and a half wide. Saturday June 6. We crossed the lake and proceeded a short distance down Racher River when we were stopped by wind and remained until morning. Several attempts were made to proceed but the wind prevented the heavy boats from moving the boat in our canoe a short distance down the river and made a short passage into a marshy pond on the left side of the main channel
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where we saw several there 7 ducks and collected a fine specimen. Found a nest of 8 Wednesday about 15 feet up in a poplar stub, 10 eggs, fresh, which we collected. During the day the crows got as far as our Camp but the wind prevented them from moving farther, so we made Camp here. Poplars are nearly out. Strawberries are blooming profusely as well as many other species. Sunday June 7. The wind prevented moving as we remained above Camp all day, in the course of which the current or around the rising of Peace River, changed its direction which added to the difficulties of navigation. Monday June 8. Made an excursion to an extensive marsh lying to the eastward of the river. Here many ducks were breeding and a few were secured. A nest of Pintail with 10 eggs was found. It was down and green and was placed on the ground among young mock grass a short distance from water, on dry ground. In the afternoon we made up our birds. Tuesday June 9. Additional help Travelling been secured. To enable the crows & track Peace River, we left in the morning and by means of sails, oars, and tracking reached Peace River early in the evening. Wednesday June 10. I floated all night and in the morning had proceeded about nearly half way from the mouth of the Peace to Smiths Landing. We paddled during the forenoon in our canoe. but in the after noon, the winds being strong and fair. The sails were put up and we embarked on the Ecora to prevent them leaving us. The wind enabled us to sail to Smiths Landing without further delay and we arrived there shortly after 4 o'clock. Made arrangements & cross this
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portage as soon as possible probably on Friday and went into camp near the Bay Landing. Thursday June 11. The day proved cold and raining. Mr. remained in camp and collected a few birds and plants, Rubus arcticus no in flowers and none have been noticed but grows fruiting up the main Marguaries are now sitting very troublesome 4 pick to start go across & Fort Smith tomorrow. Friday June 12 Loaded our outfit on the wagon provided for us and started to cross to Fort Smith The team has never proved immama- graze, and after everyone at the port had tried to get them started they gave up the attempt and we were left about a quarter of a mile out. In wait the arrival of another pair 2 horses from Fort Smith. It was then noon and we put on in afternoon as best we could expecting & got started across before night, but no team appeared and we were forced to encamp. Found a rest of a Fleece in a shrive stub about 4 feet from ground, about 8 eggs. Took some insects and plants Save three Killdeer ploughs in the clearing at the Landing Saturday June 13. After the usual delay in starting we left about noon and reached Fort Smiths about. 8 P.M.. For the first 8 miles the Portage road is over a slightly falling country mostly Cass. The forest is 2 bleakest and white Spruce with a mixture of poplars of both species, and the usual under growthing Alder, Cornus, Viburnum, Laparagoides, Eleagnus laevis Return ito . Then the road strikes the sandy ridges which it follows for the remainder 2 thruway to Fort Smith. Then The Balsamain pine is the principle Tree though where
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woods as usual. White spruces occupy the lower parts of the bank if it is not of recent alluvial formation in which case the woods are of willow, alder, or balsam poplar if or a mixture of ale. On the high sandy banks there is usually a thick growth of black spruce with a little birch and aspen. Friday June 14. We left our camp at 7 o'clock and paddled on down the river keeping close to the right bank for some distance until passing several large islands and then crossing to the left bank some large tracts of White spruce were passed during the forenoon and many low sandy islands during the P.M. The spruce gradually began to be less frequent and the banks deserted until about 5 in the afternoon when we had reached a point about 4 or 5 miles above the lake. We entered a narrow channel leading off to the left which we followed to the lake which ferry along this channel 4.5 mile long in counted over 30 boats on the banks and collected some. Emerging from this we crossed the small bay lying inside the islands and taking the channel between Amuron Island and the short tracked Fort Resolution about 7 in the evening. NT3. Mr. Norg. welcomed by Mr. J. C. Landet the officer in charge and encamped on the flat in front of the Fort. The ice has been out of this part of the Lake only about 13 days to the west and north much ice is still visible. The water of the lake at this place is much cleaner than usual Saturday June 20. Remained in camp at Fort Resolution and worked on the specimens which had accumulated and also took a few small birds including a single Epigla pallasia which I shot in the bushy clearing back of the Fort. Saw several Carpin terms around the Lake we are awaiting the arrival of the meoron steamer from Fort Smith on which Cary and my brother will go to Fort Providence thus avoiding the slow and risky journey along shore.
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Sunday, June 21 a line of traps set in the best places about the last girdled no specimens. so we did no collecting of that kind. Took a number of plants however and preserved them Monday June 22. Out in our time on birds and took a number of desirable specimens though the day was cold with some rain. Found an nest of Trump Sparrow with young a few days old. Observed a sora rail about the edge of a marsh. He walked leisurely about. frequently jutting his tail which was carried slightly erected, when he emitted his two syllabled crying note he extended his head forward and his body being held nearly horizontal and gave the note several times in succession, slightly nodding In the same marsh observed a pair of solitary Sandpipers. and a single & pair of Caspian Terns seen flying over the neck of land. Dandelions are just coming into full flower Tuesday June 23. Took a number of birds and made them up. Saw Chamae- daphne in a marsh near the post. Wednesday June 24. Spent most of the day making preparations for my trip. The day was windy and rather brash for collecting. The "Wrigley" arrived late in the evening from the Mackenzie and left in an hour or two for Fort Smith. Thursday June 25. The day was extremely windy and considerable rain fell. During the afternoon a remarkable movement of Lawrence Warblers was observed they came from the north and Northwest and crossed the point of land in front of the Fact. my levels of 10 or 12, flying both southward across the Bay or skirting the shore in the teeth of a very strong southeast wind. Upwards of 300 were seen during the 20-3 hours that I observed their flight. Two, a male and female were shot. The ovaries of the female showed eggs only slightly buried. On reaching the shore where they were exposed to the full force of the wind the birds frequently alighted for a few seconds on low bushes but started on again at the slightest alarm.
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Friday June 26. Put in the day as best we could doing a little collecting and buying ourselves with our outfit. Had a talk with Mr C.P. Gaudet who is in charge of Fort Good Hope where he has been for many years. He told me many reminiscences of Kennicott, with whom he spend a winter, at Peel River. He says that on one occasion, happening to pass by some of Kennicott's dug falls, he found several spring and creek. On mentioning the occurrence to K. on his return to the house, Kennicott exclaimed "Now I shall have to go and spring and seek them for I promised the Company that I would accept no help about trapping from any of the N.T.B. Officers, but would take only specimens caught entirely by myself." As he came not till which traps had been set. He had to spring the entire line and seek them. On another occa- sion, when sick he visited his traps and found a silver Fox, wherupon he declared he was entirely free. Mr Gaudet says that he raises good crops of potatoes, lettuce, & turnips, harvesting last fall nearly 100 Bushels of toatoes. The Bear Lake during is taken in the Muskeg as far as Good Hope and Wrigley bids north & south of the mouth of Bear River. June 27. Alfred & Cary left in the early morning for Fort Providence on the Mina- Steamer and I was left alone. As the Steamer failed to bring our outfit from Smith, I had to send the boys all the collecting material we had on hand and take mine from the stuff yet to come. July 17. The Wrigley failed to bring my stuff and on her arrival I sent for Jenkins to Fort Smith to get it. Having nothing to work with and one day being much like another I have not the heart to keep up my journal.
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Having now gotten my Collectors outfit and engaged a man to help me to Fort Rae, I left St. Resolution about 3. P.M. accom- panied by James McKinlay for- merly of the H.B.Co. who was go- with me on my trip - having favor. Nice weather we pushed as well into the night and reached Stone Island where we camped Saturday July 18 We awoke to find the wind against me, so that we were unable to start on the long passage to the first Island The one, land on the island appeared was Sandwich Sparrow. Roses were in full bloom and in addition the following flowers were noted. Castilleja, Stellaria, Amelanchier, Rubus (1/2 feet high) and several yellow flowers which I do not know but which I have taken at St. Resolution. Toward noon the wind veered around a little and we rigged up a square sail, intending to follow the short coastline and take the other canoe route which has shorter traverses but the wind proved to be so strong as we were obliged to land at the Trading House just east the Island, on the main shore. These houses are on or near the site of the first trading post built on G.S.Dale, by the Northwest Co. in 1785. Here in a shallow bay we had shelter from the waves. In the woods nearby I saw Cornus Canadensis, Empetrum nigrium, Ledum Palustre, Castilleja, White Spruce, Tamarack, Populus balsamegira Betula Papyrifera, Alnus., etc. About 4 P.M. The wind abated sufficiently to allow us to sail, and we proceeded Eastward, soon having to take to the paddles. We reached the Point of Rocks about 8 P.M. and as there was only a slight head wind started for the remote islands which we reached before eleven. They were of rock like the other islands in the East of the Lake and more clothed, wherever there was any with a stunted growth of birch white spruce, willow Betulapiper with Empetrum, Vaccinium, Vitis labrusca, Ledum (narrow leaved), Rosa Stellaria Myrica Gale Jumperus nana Polygala, Dryopteris and ferns collected. Aristolochia, Rubus chamaemorus, Rubus (canadensis) Capsules
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Sunday July 19. The wind blew hard all Day and our canoe not move. I collected Some plants and we set a net and took one white fish. The only birds seen were one or two Herring Gulls, a young Small sparrow, and a female Am. Goldenege. We hoped to have a calm night but were disappointed and were forced to spend another night on the Island. Monday July 20. As the wind had changed during the night and was coming from the cast, we left and sailed before it to the nearest islands, hoping to find a sheltered Channel behind them which would enable us to proceed but after exploring the only Morning field and finding it would lead us too far from our course we had to stop, as the open lake to the west & Northwest is far too rough to allow Handling of our canoe which is quite heavily loaded. In hope to remain therefore until calmer weather. On the larger Island where we now are, one of the very numerous Simpson Group. I give the following plants noted on the island yesterday: Pinnisimicenta Simar almobetela. Amelanchier, Prunus Penn. (with maple spurt.) Lepargyrace, Limirea Nymphias, Castalia, Sumijunus Hacembebs The Dipyg has a stick in a dead topped Spruce at the Water's edge. and a jony-chicked thrush was observed. Some plants were collected. We held our selves in readiness to start in the morning. But the indications not being favorable we went to bed. Tuesday July 21. At Six o'clock the wind had abated considerably so we made ready to start and left Camp at 7. aWe landed north- waterward near the edge of the islands and made good progress until about noon when the wind which had again risen almost to gale, forced us to camp on a small island with only a few trees. We on made ourselves as comfortable as possible and awaited a change. The wind increased in fury and at night fall shows no signs of abating; so we are again delayed.
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Wednesday July 22 The wind blew hard all day and we had no man on the island. It being little more than a bare week I have no observations worth recording. Thursday July 23 Toward morning the wind went down a little and at 5 am. we made preparations to start and got away shortly after breakfast. We crossed a narrow channel through the wind still blew quite hard and had Breakfast. The island being well wooded, had many bison on it and old squaws. We next made for more houses and entered a channel lying between two islands up which we sailed for several miles then turned nearly at right angles and made another quite long passage to the main shore. The wind was now almost en- tirely stopped. We then entered a beautiful bay (nearly enclosed by blows) on the eastern shore, in which, several Indians including Capuk Plane one of the most repeated of the Dogoris) have log houses. We then turned east ward into a narrow channel passing a small Indian burial place, of which I took a photo and after proceeding up it for some distance, camped Friday July 24. We left camp about 7 o'clock and soon entered the main part of the lake and travelled, though the wind was rather high until about noon when we were obliged to lie by on account of wind. Went up the shore half a mile or so to the houses of some Indians, where the late Bemah, one of the most enterprising of the Dogoris formerly lived we were not able to go on until nearly 4, when we started and travelled until 10 camping on a small island near the house of "Little paper" a Dogrib. I set our net and took a white fish before dark. Many red throated & Pacific Loons were seen during the day.
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Saturday July 25. We got away in fair time and proceeded on our way, paddling moting the bay among islands. We sailed a little, but had no wind & any account. We encamped at dark on an island near the main shore the craties showing micaic. A storm we are about 8 miles south of Fort Rock. Sunday July 26. Got away quite early with a fair wind and soon passed South Rock. Soon after this we came within sight of the Promontory where Fort Rae is built. Mr fortunately was able to sail among the islands, and so not good progress as the wind was fair and the waves less high there, while on the open lake it was unsafe to travel. We had dinner on an island within about 15 miles of Rae. After leaving this place our destination was only a few miles more of the time but, by keeping the main channels we made as good progress as possible when we came out into the main bay below Fort Rae. The wind was so strong that at first I thought we could not over but by good management we sailed with half a mile of the Fort, and pulling along the shore reached Fort Rae about 7.00 p.m. Mr. Nevin kindly received by Mr. Nevin. He tells me that the Indians have just come in and in all probability I would not be able to make a start as I had arrived earlier. He has in mind two men who are familiar with the Coppermine River Lake country and are soon to start back there and thinks there will be no difficulty in scouring the service. Two good men and making the trip in mind. We had a talk with one Indian in the evening and will see the Bear Lake Chief in the morning and get all the information possible from him and also see the other men whom Mr. Nevin has in mind.
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Monday July 27 Had a conference with the Bear Lake Chief, a man of a good deal of intelligence. He promised to try to get men to go with me and showed on the map the approximate route to the Coppermine and also from the River to Bear Lake, where he says a chain of three Lakes are planned through the spoke of the lateness of the season and the difficulty of navigating Green Lake in the fall and of the possibility of being stopped by ice. He said also that there are many portages on the route to the Coppermine but could not say how many. At the close of his talk he seemed apologetic for Telling so many difficulties. "But inside," I must speak the truth, due to the fact that I was likely to be summoned to a conference at any time I could not do any collecting if any account Tuesday July 28 The Wrigley arrived about 9 a.m. and that interrupted any further arrangements for the moment. Alfred & Cary went on horse having packed & set the collecting supplies out and thought it advisable to go out by the regular trip. Though handicapped by being short of supplies. The had very little in the short time they had. Taking several birds near the region and greatly extending the ranges of a number of others. They did some collecting on a mountain at the mouth of the Nahanni River as well as at Hay River, N.W.T. Province, H Simpson, and E.T. Wrigley. We had a walk along the trail back of the post and the days took a number of photos. I was able to get quite a good deal of information about Bear Lake and Mr. Anderson, in charge of the district, has already spoken to the Fort Norman Chief to have his men be on the lookout for me on Bear
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Lake in the fall and to help us to get to Fort Norman The Wrigley left about three o'clock and I bade farewell to my brother & Cary. In the evening we had another conference with the Indians, and practically make arrangements & hire one man and he will get a companion and we will see them again in the Morning Wednesday July 29 Was gentle parleys with the natives and tried to make arrangements but after promising the two men engaged knocked out I then had to get them to go on the Bell route and the second man was willing to go if a guide could be secured, in not knowing the way. We finally made some progress in that direction but could not be sure on had settled it. Fort Rae Thursday July 30 Have given up going by the Coppermine airplane and am now trying to go by the Bell route though at times that looks dubious. The Bear Lake Chief has done his best but his men do not pay much attention to his advice, and he is much distressed in consequence. In the afternoon we finally made terms with two Indians. One, a super man called "Coney" is to go with me through to St. Euphronion, if I must have to. The other - going with his rope, & guides us to Bear Lake or near there. After this we can go above or with the help of any Indians or may meet with. I left Fort Rae about 8 o'clock in as to make a start and travelled 6 or 8 miles with a fair wind toward Willow River. This part of the lake is familiar with the rest of the Northern Arm I camped about dark on a rocky point on the eastern shore
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Lake Madison to Near Head Friday July 31. M left our camp near Weller's Point early and soon enters the channel (Yellow River) connecting the N. Arm of Slave Lake with Lake Marian which we soon enter reaching the trading post of James Nislop about 9 o'clock Our [illegible] (Coney) wished to do some trading and see his brother and we had some [illegible] until after dinner, being entertained by Mr. Nislop. After this we left with a fair wind and sailed nearly all the afternoon camping at dusk only 3 or 4 miles from the end of the lake 25 miles from Nislops The lake is smaller in the N. Arm Several prominent hills are seen on the western shore at 6 the north other mountains are seen, one of these near the end of the lake the scene of an Indian legend we saw a few birds [illegible] junction with Petitot River to Mary Marian River Saturday August 1. We left our camp early and soon reached the end of the Lake, when several log houses occupy a permanent position. In this entrance it Rims a stream with quite a current at 50 or 75 yards wide M had some a mile or two only a short distance when we came is the first Rapid a short one when we made a portage for just dozen yards over the rock an [illegible] 4 a Pata Mr. caught here where the men start carrying over the stuff. A short distance above another rapid was reached when we also had 6 portages in the punted through a small marshy lake Beyond here we continued until night with out any more portages other small rapids being surrounded by the paddles and in one case, by help of the line. A photo was Taken at the second rapid passed some to market. River from Martin Lake came in afternoon the shores steep of clay with numerous outcrops of rock the higher parts are clothed with white & black spruce bark, aspen, & Balsam Pine, path, an underground [illegible]
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Near junction Retlot & Maroond Viburnum, Cornus Lepargynea Crawf. bark, Mynea and milions with milions, Eguinulin, & various grasses, Numerous mossy ferns, anyoni the sins' with Pota- mogiton, Equestria, Nymphaea etc Potamogiton also occurs abundantly in Maroon River. The hawks are brought with grasses and a yellow flower which I have not yet identified. Rambus here, are just ripening and those of Lepargynea are ripe Sunday August 2. After the diduan had had their service I left and continued up the Maroon River. I passed through several small muddy pools some of which were nearly filled with hyphophora or some around a small rapids with the lion. Shortly after this we came to a footing of two streams, the right bank on being followed by the didiup on the way to the Barrina. I took the left and passed through a narrow ponding channel which was sometimes overrun by green & floating trees in this point through several ponds as came to a bend where we had damns. Caught a Lori. After dinner we Kept on, the country big much the same but with more rocks some of which formed precipice cliffs. On our way there I found a nest of a black hawk evidently not going and faced the male. In that prolapsed 4 rapids and ascended Ford or three small ones with the lion birds. Catching up several small willows Monday August 3, 'Both Mercurius & Swotony in my traps. I set array early and made a good day. During the forenoon we made 4 portages 5 avoid rapids and ascended several small riffles. The Country continues much the same as yesterday. During the afternoon we made good progress making four portages at the least of which we camped. There the river descends through a narrow gorge with precipitous sides. The forest here at this point except the pines and grass-sized trees of white spruce are found. Observed
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Osmilanchen - the fruit just ripening Cranberries also just opening Artemis + Baneacon pres. occasional Alnus alnobetula - a common shrub. Butila polygynepera is one of the commonest trees in this Country. Passed through the afternoon Kelled an immature Goshawk near its nest where it was raised. The nest was on a small bush about 15 feet up, from a small fringe and was very beautiful. The left one was seen but was too shy & fled. Many broods of ducky were seen some flying. Then the Hawks nest soon a flock of Wood Carban Sand flies are beginning to be troublesome In the waters we are wondering through. Whitefish and small Pickerel are common. I skimmed what specimens I had and set out a line of traps in the spruce woods If this one. From where we started up the channel to this high crag was about 14 miles or more. At the Crag the channel was only about 50 yards wide and a fast current flowed through it. On the face of the crag a Great Hawk had a nest (above the country was hung on Paying this visit, we kept on the same course for some miles through a broad channel and then came to a minute Island lying across our course. We took the left hand channel and after going 3 or 4 miles, entered in a narrow passage between two islands. In the N.W. is a range of high hills. To the west of that the Indian thanks we will make a portage out of the Lake. The islands here are high and rocky with many very sharp angular blocks. In other places they are well wooded. Several Great Eagles have been seen just before we Camped.
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Sunday Aug 23 Mr remained in Camp until after dinner and I finished up some work I had on hand. Last Harris Spamer near camp Saw about 5. But took only one. The Indian struck after moose but killed none. Thin Trucks are Common here. He also saw Tracks of bears. In the afternoon we made a start. The Indian thought our Course lay between the Islands of the Westwood so we struck across due. After search ing for some time, I went at it and concluded that we must go to the northward. Through an inlet, which I had supposed before North Mr Bay for the place we must leave the Lake. By this time the sun was low so after going a short distance we camped on the next shore the inlet. The evening was fine but windy. Thursday August 6 In pthaway from our camp a good time and passed through a small irregular lake, out of which we moved a portage almost immediately entering another small expansion of the river. From this a small stream sometimes shallow and sometimes very deep led to Nangle Lake 6 or 8 miles long. Long regular ridges clothed, wooded lands at it on the south and irregular rocky hills to the north. From this a succession of 4 portages with lakes between both 20 across the divide to Sarahk Lake. The first small lake was clear over the bottom was yellow as sulphur. The rest were much rid in colour. The last of these portages was the longest. Sarahk Lake is beautifully clear and bordering on the south a tract by long wooded ridges. A large portion of its southern shore has been recently swept by furs. Populus balsamifera was seen on Nangle Lake. Potentilla was common and in full flower. Antrostyphus com- on the rule shores and Juniperus mana seen. At Camp on Sarahk Lake (midway) San Relis rubrum in front. Below a bird trap and nest nets.
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Sarah to Luc Faber Friday Aug 7. Took only Synaptomys in my Traps. I left early and soon reached the point where the river leaves the outlet Cammell River, but took a bay to its outboard of the outlet bay and after paddling nearly to its head made a portage of a few hundred yards over a ridge to the right, thus avoiding a long bend of crooked & shallow river. Paddling down this stream we soon came to the lake called by Bell Damaro Neckla Lake, which is crossed diagonally among the islands. These and the heavy smoke which hung over it made it un- prosperous to see any of its creation portion which is said to be a considerable size. On its southwest shore is a hill of considerable height and others are seen to the northwest. There are conical dull rocky but are molded to them summits. I encamped on an island than the stream such as many fish and set nets as the provision problem no likely Luc Faber Damaro Neckla Lake To be serious unless we can catch a good many fish. After which proceeds a few miles within this lake or passed through a narrow channel between the islands, and some islands where two log houses and fully a year or too old occupied a level spot on the right from current. Stopped either house on a progress of erection. The place is said to be a very good place for fishing. Set out some traps at our night camp, though the place is not very favorable. Ribes hudsonianum + Rubus (rasberry) com. at Camp Saturday Aug 8. I left am camp on the blue-quit early. Not only Evotomys in my Traps. We passed northward among the delta to past the high peak which is said to give this lake its name. It is very rugged and is worked to its summit, a portion of the channels among the islands. upon our boat passed at a strong current sets out too.
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To Lake Rosamond and the main lake, and there probably a river of considerable size eating up the lake at this point, and these evidently considerable sized lakes occupying a basin to the W. of the peaks. From here we left the lake and made a portage of about half a mile through brushings and over several muddy ridges, to a good sized pond of irregular shape and from this made a portage 2 miles or greater a mile to another Lake (The first portage at it.) 2nd period along the creek of a narrow ledge where there was a plain trail marked on the rock. From the second lake we made a portage of about 3/4 of a mile, mostly through mud to an arm of Rosamond Lake, along which we paddled among the numerous islands. Toward evening we came to a stream which the Indians were afraid to cross with the present road. Roe to Strawberry Lake Rosamond Lake Grant In this area camped and set nets to help with the promotion of a large blue mussel a famous camping pool for the Indians where they lived Canoe, and thus is the place when they say Bell met with the Indians on his way to Roe. Rabbits are quite common here at several spots that. Sunday Aug 9. We made only a Sabbath Day's journey, leaving father Cate and camping early. We passed through Lake Rosamond and left it by a portage a short distance east of the outlet from its W. end. This portage led over low ground, mainly mud for about 1/2 of a mile and entered Lake Rogers, in a small bay, near the mouth which we camped. While the men were making the portage I caught a good-sized pickerel with the spoon bait; I set nets and a trout hook also a good one of small fishes.
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Lake St. Croix Lake St. Croix Monday, Aug. 10. It rained during the night and was still stormy in the morning so we had to lie by. I took a series of footprints in my traps and made them up together with a bird or two. We took some white fish about 20 inches long in our nets. The river (Cemmel) enters the Lake near this point. According to accounts the lake extends a long paddle to the northeast. When Bell calls the lake only 6 miles in length. Have observed here the following plants: Picea abies (Spruce), Populus nigra, Populus sp., Betula glauculea, Pogonias alba, Salix, Chamaedaphne Ledum, Aristotrophus, Alnus alabatula, Vitis Idaen, Prunus serotina, Vaccinium (Blueberry), Rubus chamaemorus and some others, some of which I have collected. Tuesday Aug. 11. The wind continued strong all day. Though at 5 o'clock in the afternoon and we had to remain. I took a few mammals and made them up. But this place is not favorable for trapping. Sand Crabs. Wednesday Aug. 12. We still had to remain at our camp the whole day twice stormy. I took a few mammal mats and stirred them, also several fish. Took also two small fathoms with spikes for bait. Thursday Aug. 13. I took a few mammals including foxes, 4 Symplophyes. After dinner though the weather was still far from settled, we made a start. We crossed the Lake diagonally toward the east end and entered a shallow bay near the NE side from which we made a portage of about 1/4 of a mile into another lake. This is about 2 miles long by 1 mile wide and is longer than Crescent. (From the East end of Lake St. Croix a deep bay extends toward the south.) In the centre of the main part of this lake, is a rounded funky island high and once inhabited. We passed diagonally across in a NE direction and passing a large island
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Lake Fabre Beginning. In extent extended about 3 miles To the northward at any from nine Its east end was a mountain About 400 feet high. Its N.W. face Was long and very precipitous. It At this stage, my gradual. Initially The lake extended about 9 sight, quite inward. I crossed this lake in a northerly Direction and found changes Channels among slabs. In another Expanse of the Lake which was Many circular and about 1/4 miles In diameter. It contained only A few small islands crossing this Lake in a northerly direction. On Left it by a narrow channel About 100 yards long and ended In a small riffle to a smaller Long Lake. Then through a Short Channel to a Large Lake With many rocky reliefs. Some Of these are high and rocky with An agreeable number of loose Boulders scattered over them In many places within Tumbling down then stopping ridges Which shone brightly in the sun. Lake Rey Key of Belle. I passed Northward close to The E. shore and wound a large bay As entered a channel having a Perceptible current northward. A Burg now nearly formed our encampment On the left side of this channel Or what I suppose to be a large Island. Two others seen at the Narrower camp. Upwards. My surf section, which was seen on The lake shortly before camping To the park at a distance of several Miles an even ridge if good sized Mountain with a range having a North and south direction. Sunday Aug 16. Today being a Strong Sunday" The Indian could not work So we had to remain in Camp. They Were able to hunt and pick berries So helped out on the food supply. I caught a musk near camp but Took no other mammals. One of The Indians frothed a moose near Camp, but it had been startled by The dogs and had made off. The day was mostly fine but the Wind came up in the afternoon.
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Mall went 15 miles Tuesday Aug 18 M did not leave Camp until after dinner We left the bay and turning northward, left on up this certain shore. Most of it is rocky and rather high and sparsely wooded about the middle of the afternoon we passed a bay with candy shores and high drifted banks of sand extended back for some distance. The soil then became better and the forest more luxuriant. M left at about the middle of the afternoon but found no kill him. M camped on the shore in a very mother spot some of the White Spruces are 14 inches in diameter and about 75 feet high. I cut out some topsoil. Some & Richardson's oil at camp also grayshuck think Bacon, Moore and 139. Carraban have been killed by Indians camped here Roberts MR common here in the evening Wednesday Aug 19 M left camp rather early and paddled about 5 miles northward along the Lake and nearly to its end and entering a bay on the west side but it its outlet. M descended second slight rapids and entered a channel the current here running very much. The N shore was sparsely wooded. The south also for some distance but perhaps the S shore is of sand and higher and well wooded. This channel soon expanded into a good sized Lake which we left by a strait on the W side before reaching its end. From this we emerged into Avonlin Lake circular in outline and perhaps 4 miles across. On its N.E. shore is a range of high hills 500-1000 ft high, forested rocky girt generally wooded. In a This channel soon expanded into a long narrow Lake. At its outlet M made a portage & about half
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a river on the left side of the was to avoid a series of rapids this portage led mostly over bluffs at through a pine forest Pines & Spruces and ended at a small lake at the foot of the rapids We or had to camp as it was nearly dark before everything was over. Thursday Aug 20. I got away in good time and paddled through the Lake which was about 10 miles long From this the river again descended in a series 7 rapids about half a mile in length to another expansion of the river. There also a portage was made on the left side. It was more circuitous than the last and was a little longer but lid over quite similar ground. A small Lake succeeded us from this a th pass here and there expanded to a broad channel with little current. This kept up for only a mile or two and we then emerged into a large Lake the front part of it was 4 or 5 miles long much broken up by islands as from this we passed through a narrow part where there was considerable current to another part. A long even range evidently part of the Mts seen west of the Last Big Lake extends N.E. to the northwest. These are caused by the Indians the Katley Mts. They have even stripes and appear intensely well wooded and consist of several purplish ridges as far as I can see. To the north if us is a large antlating mountain. We passed a N.E. [illegible] until [illegible] the narrow flatland the turned more by the N. and camped on a small island after going about 3 miles in the east part of the lake. The shore of this lake are mainly low and swampy and fairly well provided these no less rock supported them on the East Big Lake
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{ "text": "Saturday Aug 22 This morning am\n\n\n\nTuesday Aug 4. Took up traps seeming\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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Wednesday August 5 I took Synaphterium [illegible] Neozonus and Eutetomy in my trap. Input started quite early and had only gone a few hundred yards when I came to a rapid past which I portaged. Raspberry branch here, and I saw a ruby crown. I feeling pledged young I portaged into a small irregular lake with rocky shores, higher on the north side. I passed pick of this lake by another portage and almost at once sawched another. A long wooded ridge on the north side of this lake was next crossed by a portage about a mile and a half long. This ridge was well wooded with birch, aspen while I black spruce, Balsam Poplar of good size with the usual under growth of Vaboura, Cornus etc. Several swampy places were crossed where Vaccinium uliginosum, Kalminia slance, Ledum palustre, dwarf birch, Marrama Chamacephale etc. were common. Vitis chaca also typical Cornadon at waters edge. Saw Tracks of Moose, bear and Caribou at night camp. Went to Portage Monday Aug 24 Last night the sun set at 7.30 and rose this sun at 4.30. I made an early start and paddled on up the creek in a northerly direction. After going a few miles I passed through a marshy place and found a strong current setting northward, which made me think that I was approaching the outlet through the lake as supposed to outlet at the Mr. Corner. I climbed a high hill but could not see any sign of a valley or outlet. However I concluded to explore the bay and in the last creek I heard the sound of a rapid. This I found to be a large swift rapid the waters plunging down for about 300 yards in a perfect torrent. I made a portage of this length on the left bank, the portage trail being almost at the brink of the drop. At this portage I noted
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Tuesday Aug 25 I made a late start on account of having work to finish up. I crossed the small lake and saw a small rapid taking in some water in diving so. This fell into a narrow arm of a small lake. I saw old sawmill bury before finding the outlet which flowed from the westerly bay. The wind was strong and made progress difficult. At the outlet was a high wooded rock with a few trees growing on its sides. Descending this there I came within a few hundred yards to a short rapid others I portaged about 7.5 yards on the left bank. This portage was well marked by beech trees. At its foot was an entry a small arm of another lake and began searching for its outlet. The first northerly bay looked inviting but we must but had no boat. I then retraced our way and took the middle bay. Camping after going a short distance. I saw a 2 year old moose today Wednesday Aug 26 I made a good start and pursued our way northward up this inlet. After going about 7 miles we came to a bay which made us turn the boat. This in approach in hopes of finding the outlet but had to come back and then took the channel which led northward a mile or two beyond we came to a bay making on toward the east boat next Friday any current entering the narrow passage we kept on the channel here turning a cutter with high nets was applied ahead. I soon came to where the lake widened out and on the right or east side passed a long gravelly island nearly devoted of trees, which stretched E. 40V a narrow arm of the lake stretching northward to the north of it. At this was no current entering this passage we left on to the open lake and turned diagonally northward to a high rocky point. Beyond here I could not get the sound now being too strong. I climbed the high rocks and found a narrow in a soughed lake, one end of
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whid we had come up where another arm stretched away to the S.W. It is bounded on the NW by a range of hills eminently upwards of 1500 feet high before mentioned It is very irregular in shape with many islands and bays most the islands are high & some steep precipitous slopes. To the W. the lake stretches for several miles and in some places quite broad. On the point while we are here observed Ulmus alnifolia, Aspen, Acerosophylos, Rosa, Rubus (red morn) Juglans nana and cucumbers, Lipargyraca, Lilium (green - blushing) Rubus (buffing) white & black spure Brock Vitis vinifera Mananer, Empitrum various willows, etc Thursday Aug 27 We started shortly after sunrise across the bay to some islands before the wind rose then we had breakfast and then earlier northward with a fair wind keeping with left side of several large islands. and finally crossing to the NW shore and entering an inlet about 1/4 of a mile wide and bounded on each side by rugged rocky hills sparsely wooded except in some of the ravines. We sailed along this for about 3 miles and then as we seemed to be entering a large expanse of Lake and our view was obscured by the smoke of a large fire which was burning to the eastward we went ashore to wait until it cleared away. I set traps and "Coney" the Indian went hunting as we needed meat badly. The place where we landed was on the south or side of the inlet here many NW. and was a gravelly point high beyond the water but over back behind it have where there was a grove of white spruce and a small marshy pond Back of this the hill rose steeply sparsely wooded and with much shrub touch. In the afternoon I went north
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trud along the shore climbing higher and higher and as the smoke had now cleared away somewhat. I gradually came to realize that G.Bear Lake was before me, and that we were camped on an uplift within a mile or less of the open Lake. On reaching the highest point I had a good view of the Great Lakes which stretches in the horizon on the east west and north. A few bluffs near shore and a group of high ones some miles out were all that broke the monotony of the waters. In Bruins: several hundred feet above the level of the Lake were several ponds out of great depth and in this I saw a species of fish, and secured a small one. Two others about 16 miles long were seen but I could not secure one. They swarm about close together, sometimes near the surface, and sometimes going quite deep, and fudging on the rocks like suckers Toward evening we turn off the Traps Taking two [illegible] and paddled down the creek both Lake and along the shore northward a short distance until we came to a good place to set a net where we camped in a little sheltered bay behind an some islands, just to the west a bay miles or about half a mile. At our Camp the ground slopes gently back to a high rocky hill. A few good sized white spruce and low willows and birches cover the point. The birches are now most all turned yellow and the willows also though some of them are just blossoming. The shores of the Lake except in places like the one where we are, are high and rocky and often are precipitously from the water and the four islands are rocky with perhaps a few scattering trees.
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Friday Aug 28. Mr. made an early start and paddled in a general S.E. course along the shore. The day was fine but the smoke which had moved with a change of wind spread over the surrounding country obscured our view and made us much unnecessary and useless work as we could not see the points and consequently went to the bottom of several days. During the forenoon we paddled along a coast similar to that at our camp, a few rocky islands were passed. Back from the shore the Mt. rose high and higher in irregular ranges. As we proceeded we passed many ravines filled with loose rock and without any vegetation— recently moraines. In the afternoon we passed the mouths of two deep bays bounded by high rocky hills. Then we found that what we had considered as high island was the extremity of a long point which we had to round that the smoke not shut off our view, we could easily have crossed the bay instead of going to its down. This point was evidently morainic origin and was in places 100 feet above the shore. It was all of loose improach and supported no vegetation except a very few willows near the water. It was terminated by a high precipitous rock. This point was about 5 miles long and probably 2 miles at its base which was fairly well marked for about 2 miles. The rest being without trees as stated. Rounding this point we paddled back along its dreary and monstrous shore, and had already reached its base before we found that another similar out-starter point must be rounded. This we did and turning back down its westerly shore came to a small bay.
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bay where a few settling shivers came close to the shed here on camp as it was late and as the weather looked threatening we put up the tent for the first time in some time, as we found retention by wind. At our Camp The ground is quite rocky. In some places almost devoid of vegetation in others with sandy and mossy stitches. White pines and a few tamaracks are the principal trees and willows the conspicuous shrubs A few small muddy pools lie a little back from the shore. Empetrum nigrum is very common and in many places forms a dense carpet at its shaded with berries and many blueberries are also found. The rain is rising in the morning and at thirteen o'clock Saturday August 29. It rained some during the night but the day was nearly free from rain, though at eleven, and all day from the N.E. I spent the forenoon hunting over the country toward the front or such ward. It was very rough and rocky Several good birds were seen. Observed the following plants: Prunus alba (imperfecta) Sambucus (some species) Betula papyrifera & minor Alnus alnobetula, Parmaeocarpi, Potentilla, Empetrum nigrum, Sphagnum Thamnophyllum, Andromeda (Arctostaphylos) Les, Vaccinium (blueberry) Vitis labrusca, The Natchez Grose, Ceanothus, and other bushes are growing on the banks of Empetrum. Harris Sparrow is quite common. Melody Toward their small peaches of Pteridium (fern) broods but I saw none. Though I hunted for them carefully. Coney the Indian spent most of the day hunting canton but none more
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Tuesday Sept 1. When I awoke this morning the ground was white with snow and it was still snowing All day one snow squall followed another and in the evening it was snowing steadily. This morning "Coney" went back with his moose. Towell and between 4 and 5 in the afternoon came back with some of the meat, which is a great blessing to us. He and McKinlay will go in the morning to dry it, as it is too far to try to camp. The young one a well grown animal escaped. This meat is very acceptable as we have been on short rations mostly the time since leaving Fort Rae for fear of our provisions giving out. I took some footprints in my traps and shot some birds which I made up in the afternoon. I spent the forenoon hunting Plasmygan but found none nor did I see much of anything but small birds; on account of bad weather Wednesday Sept 2. The day opened with a driving snow storm which brought eased about the middle of the forenoon. I took nothing in my traps but shot a few small birds, though birds were scarce. McKinlay and "Coney" went off to where the moose was killed to dry the meat. While I remain alone at the camp to do what collecting I can until I can continue our journey The day was cloudy with occasional snow flurries, and cold, as the wind keeps whistling I made things as comfortable as possible about Camp as we will be obliged to stay here a couple of days at any rate to prepare the meat. In the afternoon I reset some of my traps finding some signs of Microtus I think. We are now able for the first time in weeks to satisfy our appetites at each meal instead of feeling hungry at the end of each meal.
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Thursday Sept 3 McKinlay and the Indian commenced away drying the meat I took only and Meat was in my traps and spent most of the day hunting specimens taking a number of birds found for small lunches of Ptarmigan and collected some also saw a number of birds which I supposed had gone south. I travelled over a large extent of the barren country to the west of our camp but found no traces of Barrow found mammals. The Ptarmigan undoubtedly bred here as I found a family of young with the old bird. The males are found in small companies by themselves. Saw a number of returns and an old nest. Showing they breed here. Only a few golden plovers seen today and no sandlilings. Rusty gackles very Common and I saw a large flock of Lapland Longspurs. Jungers Ptarmigan observed. The day was rather fine Friday Sept 4 I am still alone in Camp. Took some Ptarmigan and albin specimens in the morning as then spent the rest of this day smoking on specimens as considerable smoke had accumulated made up a fine lot of Ptarmigan. The day was cloudy with a little rain, but the wind had abated considerably and had no meat ready so could continue our journey. The evening is cloudy with wide cations I am. Saturday Sept 5 I spent much of the day packing specimens and giving Things up generally. Took a black- belied plover from a girk if Sickers It was quite lean while the golden plovers are generally got more. It rained a good deal during the day. In the evening McKinlay and the Indian arrived with a load of meat and have to return tomorrow for the rest. The horse was killed about 10 miles off and through a very rough rocky
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Tuesday Sept 8. I left our camp in the rainy day and after taking the meat which was about a mile along the shore I sailed eastward along the coast until about 2 in the afternoon when we were forced to put into a bay on account of the wind which had increased very much. I finished drying the meat and I stemmed the snore geese finding it very fast and requiring much work. We came about 75 miles along a barren rocky coast with a few small islands bathing the bay where we camped as fairly wooded with spruce tamarack etc. Some a tamarack about a foot in diameter. I collected gooseberries the first seen on the trip south of 95 Lake. Set out some meat traps. The white spruce are tall and straight. See traces of wolf, molarine, bear, moose and cub near camp Wednesday Sept 9. I left camp about 7 o'clock and sailed with a fair wind nearly continuously until 12, making about 20 miles. We passed westward along the coast passing about half a dozen barrier points with sandy bays finely covered between them. In the afternoon we had nearly reached McVicar Bay and turned southwestward paddling across a broad bay nearly 12 miles. A series of low rocky islands lay toward our right, and on the left several deep bays. We rounded the point and entered McVicar Bay shortly before sunset. At camped on a small bay forward the northwest can be seen the Scented Grass Hills on the north side of the lake, a favorite resort of the Indians. This point high and I said to the hill smoked. Goygle Bear Mountain lies across the Bay on its summit, apparently portentous.
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Friday Sept 11. Left Camp at about 7:30 and proceeded westward along the coast which was fairly straight. The shore was mostly rocky and rather low and some sparsely wooded ridges extended back to the Mts. which are now lower than those nearer the point but have some snow on them. They are wooded to their summits. Larger areas have been burned and at short distance in this distance left a nearer view shows them to be covered with willows and other shrubs whose changing colors so magnificently colored different shades of yellow, red and brown giving a beautiful effect in the forenoon or hand quite a stretch of steep clay banks. In the afternoon we passed along a long bay with gravelly shores and in one place high steep banks of quartz and spruce covered shore, and just two or three small miles stands we encamped at sunset in a small bend bay among the spruce trees. This part is low and flat. both a mile or two to the far hills about abrooklets. As rather common live oak and tomatoes) are beginning to change color, and a sort aya. More tracks are common in the lower ground and the sides of the hills apparently afford the animals good pasturage. Saturday Sept 12. I left our camp early and after paddling a short distance out sail and sailed about 5 miles when we had to put ashore, the same preventing us from making a long point ahead this is probably until nearly sunset tracks of Moose and Bear are common. When the wind went down we made a start, and rounded the long point which seems to be the turning point of the coast. The shore here trending southwest we put ashore here in a Shallow limestone Bay. The land as rather low and grown up in spruce and willows.
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Friday Sept 13 I left our camp about 730 and paddled across two or three small bays and then rounded a long narrow point and turned into a bay which ran some distance back toward the east. Its south shore was bounded by a low sandy flat 50 yards or so wide and back of this a low ridge cut by gullies ran parallel to the shore. This was covered by small growth which shone bright with the changing colorage of the willows, dwarf birch, etc. The sandy flat was beautifully wooded with tall slender white spruces. I took some photos here. I then passed on northwest as passing one or two small points on one of which an Indian family, the first human beings seen outside our own party since leaving the vicinity of Fall Rae, or round another long point and entered a deep wide bay. We crossed it magnificently and camped in a small melt where we were protected from the wind and waves. Monday Sept 14. Left Camp at 7 o'clock and rounded a good sized bay and started on a large bay but were forced by the wind to stop about 10 o'clock. I buried myself with some specimens and remained until nearly 3, when the wind had gone down a little. I then rounded the deep bay and passed a long low gravelly point where the ice had pushed up great quantities of small stones beyond this. I took another similar but smaller bay. These bays have low sandy and rocky shores and are well provided. The Camarodes were giving quite an impression to the scenery by its yellowish foliage also the aspens. Two or three smaller bays were next crossed. I saw these was an Indian camp and a young man paddled out to us and talked a few minutes with us. We camped at dusk in a small bay having a wide windward shore.
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and snow chiefly on the North bank. The springs are of fair size. As we approached Fort Norman the banks are frany and the woods look from the river mostly firecraft. The Mts. near Norman came in sight from long and our camp at sunset on the right bank eventually not many miles from the mouth of the river. Wednesday Sept 30. Mr started a storm as it was cloudy light and pulled on down the river. The banks are high and steep, and many small knobsides and precipitated sections at into the river. In some part offshore took at about the middle of the morning reached the mouth of the river as looked up at Fort Norman a quarter of a mile or so above. New Mr more fortunately freeeby Mr and Mrs Harding at loaded our outfit as we will leave to Main a day or two to get provisions and settle up accounts. The Fort is pleasantly situated on the high bank of the river to the NW as seen back a high and nearly bare mountain just below its mouth of Bear Creek. Across the Mackenzie the Mts. are in several ranges now come closer. The Mackenzie at this point is about a mile and a quarter road. Thursday Oct 1. Mr Bremner at Fort Norman, getting our accounts and supplies ready. The day was cold and windy. Took some photos of the Mts. and surrounding country. Friday Oct 2. Finished our preparations for the trip and after dinner left Fort Norman and commenced our journey to Fort Simpson. The day was fine and no more good progress. The snow was sparsely and afford e a good tracking. Mr left the left bank (upward) and
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encamped at dark in a first spot below a small point. The banks are high and I lay on gravel and a number of exposures of lignite which were an I've seen a few swells above Fort Norman. The country at the type of the banks as covered with a rather dense growth of buttonbelders, and other shrubs. The spruces having nearly all disappeared on account of frost though there are here or there small ones appear among this deciduous growth. (Came about 10 miles. To 70 miles below Grant River.) Saturday Oct.3. I left camp at 6 retire. During its forenoon we were much bothered by a thunderstorm which threatened to stop us but it went down shortly before noon and the afternoon was quite calm. The banks continued much the same as yesterday but more higher. I encamped at dark just above the Mill on Grant River. In the afternoon saw large patches of bleachers, ascended about four 10 miles below Grant River and gathered flowers of a species of Gentian. Saw many ducks and a flock of snow geese going south along the river. Sunday Oct 4. Started about 7.30 and continued up the river. I had a good deal of difficulty tracking along the shores of small islands which we encountered in crossing the river and one of which we found we had encamped last night. About noon we reached the main shore and then we had a hard turn setting by a long high cut bank. Here Fort Norman was formerly situated. Toward evening we met a band of Indians from the Mts. in their large snow-shoe boat. We exchanged some tea for some white sheep meat. I camped at dark on the western shore about opposite Mt Clark.
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To 10 miles above Gravel River. Monday Oct. 5. Continued on up the river. Our progress was much impeded by long gravelly points the water being low. About noon we passed the mouth of a clear rapid stream flowing from the overlook and a short distance above here we crossed to the eastern bank. We paddled across the mouths of two small sized bays, caused by the low state of the river. We camped at dark on the high bank a few miles above Blackwater River. Tuesday Oct. 6. Kept on up on the same side of the river. I found a fair sized River emptying into the Mackenzie on the opposite side about noon. The banks were high and the bed stony or gravelly day. Passed a canoe, could not see any back from this river. To 10 miles above Blackwater River. To 10 miles above Blackwater River. Wednesday Oct. 7. Started at 7 o'clock and bank on until dark. About noon we passed the mouth of a River which may be the Beach- Water, as it is the only large river on our part in this side, and its water is dark. About mid-afternoon it started to snow and was still snowing at Clark. The banks faced Toby ran high and the shore gravelly or stony except at the mouth of the river where a broken gravelly flat was passed, and with some difficulty. Thursday Oct. 8. It snowed a little during the night. But the morning was warmer and it partially cleared during the forenoon. After going a few miles we found less snow and by noon there was none. We found Trucking coal at night camped within a few miles of a rocky hill which I suppose is the Rock by the River side. Said to be 30 miles from Ft. Wrigley.
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To Rock by the River Side. Friday Oct 9 Continued on up the river the shores was grantly and the banks mostly high. Passed the mouth of a good sized stream shortly before with and a short distance atore joined the Camp of some Indians from whom we obtained some more and benner ment. Passed the Rock by the River side little and camped a mile or so beyond it. To 8 miles below Wrigley Saturday Oct 10 Kept ed up The river the banks retaining much the Same character. The day was cold and a strong Wind impeded our progress considerably. We camped at dark about 8 miles below Fort Wrigley To Wrigley Sunday oct 11 Thunk On up to Fort Wrigley where we were welcomed by Mr Timothy Gaudet, The officer in charge. Fort Wrig- ley is Situated on the right bank of the river at a point where and island obstructs The channel and forms a small rapid on each side Mountaine rice from the river on each side to a considerable height. 7018 miles above Wrigley Monday Oct 12 We remained at Fort Wrigley last night and left there this morning about 9 o'clock. The banks above Fort Wrigley are lower and the current less strong than below. The shores and afford better landing. We drank nearly 20 miles Camping at dusk opposite the farther end of the long island and 20 thanks a short distance below Willard River To 20 miles below Johann River Tuesday Oct 13 Rall about 4 miles down in the night. The wind was blowing strongly up the river so we set sail and made four progress against The current all day camping at some distance from the long island
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To Fort Simpson Tuesday Oct 20. Started as soon as it was fairly light and soon came to some islands separated from the main shore by shallow sloughs and stretches of sand which are covered by water when the snow is high. We were embanked & cut across some of these places, and about 10 o'clock we came in sight of the mouth of the river and soon reached Fort Simpson where we were kindly received by Mr. Anderson the Agent in charge, and his clerks. I was assigned a room in the Big House and proceeded to make myself comfortable. Wednesday Oct 21. Put in the day having my outfit and sorting my things. Cannot do much active collecting until I get my tools and catalogues from below. Thursday Oct 22. Was occupied much as yesterday, made preparations based upon with dogs to bring up some of the lighter articles from the camp below. Friday Oct 23. The men started this morning for the camp down the river. Saturday Oct 24. Spent most of the day in the woods and obtained a number of specimens. Visited the hills to the westward and the tower park of the island. Got some rabbits which still show traces of the dark phase, but are mostly white. Sunday Oct 25. Went to church in the afternoon and in the afternoon took a walk to the hills to the west, where many birds were observed. Monday Oct 26. Spent the forenoon in the woods visiting the lower end of the island and collecting a few birds. The men arrived in the evening bringing the lighter articles. My shot- gun already disabled, was about finished on this trip up. One of the men falling and breaking the stock. The day was warm and the snow soft. Tuesday Oct 27. The day proved so warm that I was tempted to try it set the canoe and the rest of the baggage up, and started five and five Indians on a small canoe &
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the place. The ice has stopped running and the river is open they got away shortly after dinner but a strong wind blowing up stream forced them to give up the attempt unleash for this evening though they have hopes of starting again sometime tomorrow. The good and beauties are cached a few miles below and they returned to the port. As the weather has turned much colder since noon, however, I am afraid that navigation is now stopped for the season as the ice will soon commence running again if the cold continues. Wednesday Oct 28. Had to abandon the attempt bringing the canoe up as the ice is running thick and the weather has turned cold Was occupied all day on specimens of which a number have accumulated Thursday Oct 29. Put in the day on specimens. Am making preparations to send Mae and Cozy up the river to trap and hunt, as it will be a month before they can start for their homes. Friday Oct 30. Was occupied on specimens all day. In the evening Captain Mills, with my help, developed 3 rolls of my films exposed on the Bear Lake trip. They proved to be fine pictures, as a rule Saturday Oct 31. Was occupied on specimens all day. Will not be able to start the men off trapping until Monday. It snowed here quite heavily in the after- noon and evening. Sunday Nov 1. Went to church and wrote letters. Monday Nov 2. Worked on specimens and arranging photos. In the evening Capt. Mills developed some more of my photos, which proved to be fair. Tuesday Nov 3. Put in the day arrang- ing my negatives and an specimen. And in the evening developed some the Commander of my photographs. Wednesday Nov 4. Put in the day arranging negatives and on my reports. Thursday Nov 5. Spent the day in the woods collecting and setting traps.
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Friday Nov6. Took Scinurus, Certains, Phrompens and Donus neborhoodni and Personatus also a few birds. Saturday Nov6. Took a ruffed Grouse near the Fork and a few mammals. Day snowy and windy. Saturday Nov7. Took a few mammals and Bonasa in the afternoon. In the afternoon fixed up my specimens and worked on my notes. Sunday Nov8. Rattles and wind. The barometer wind down last night 5/10 below 0 Monday Nov9. Took a few mammals and a goshawa. Very few birds now about. Tuesday Nov10. Park in the day working on reports. Wednesday Nov11. Spent the forenoon in the woods taking some riddles and a Shumplad grouse and a few mice in paths. In P.M. skinned my specimens and worked on notes. a rare cold day Thursday Nov12. Put in the day on reports Friday Nov 13. Took a G.N.-owl in Trap and shirk some snowbirds. Also trapped a few mice. A very raw cold day, the coldest of the season so far. Took some photos. Nov27. Have been taking a few specimens Nearly every day. Today Mrs. week Cony left for Providence Nov28. Accompanied Capt. Mills on a visit this line & rabbit snares extending about 6 miles. I crossed the river diagonally downward from the foot of the island to get to the beginning of the track which made a circle inland. I found 27 squirrels. Took some riddles and a Hudsonian Chickadee. See 5. During the past week I have several times spent a part of the day in the woods and have taken a few small birds and several Great Horned, and Snowy Owls. Today I again put the rounds of the snares getting a large number of rabbits and a ruffled grouse, which I shot. near the Fork. While crossing the river I saw Tracks of 3 wolves and several foxes The Track on which the snares are set passes through small spruce forests and muskegs.
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Dec. 1. Take a light-colored G.N. One in one frying trap on the bottom. The sun now rises about 9 o'clock and we have had breakfast by Campfire for some time. Dec. 2. Have been taking a number of specimens in my Trap so that I southerly ago series. Have made a few short Excursions about the record and have taken a few birds. Saw mice about 9:30 and sits at 7:30 Dec. 3. A day or two before Christmas, a small child belonging to some Indians living across the river died from the "Cramps" which was quite prevalent for a while. This was thought to be in consequence of the path bringing in a wolf which he had prowled and they said killed a wolf. But this Supposition permits them from stirring it or handling it in any way. In this case an extra price offered on the fear of the consequence. Concerning other Children who saw the dead body became sick. Last person Curious Comment with the facts attributes the death. The effect is a High beer which had been brewed at the house. Too frequent devotion to which caused the engarth to be neglected. This mixture made from water, Hops or sugar, with sometimes a cutter plan and 300 or three ounces of tobacco barrels down is manufactured in considerable quantities by the Indians and some times by the whites. In some cases the flame thickens the bottom portion of the case so that it has to be partation with a stick or a spoon instead of a glass. Besides this idea, about values scent or whatever varies must not be taken into Camp, but may be shunned & dried Out of doors. When laths are carried and eaten the beans must not be eaten by days or no more locks was he caught.
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On Jan 1st 1898 around 6 a 7 o'clock breakfast in order to get ready for the reception both servants & Indians. About 5.30 or 9 the engaged servants come first and [illegible] repaid with cakes & tea. About 40 gallons of tea and about 750 cakes (plain & currant) besides some tons of currant bread. A great quantity of small pies & tarts were prepared for the servants after a short chat the engaged servants took their leave after receiving a present of a pound of tea, a pound of tobacco and a paper of matches. After this the Indians were came in and were repaid in a similar manner. The best hunter served the same present as the engaged servants, the poorer hunter and the women a small present. A smaller quantity. Most of the day was spent by the boys and young men in playing football. About then they [illegible] invited them the gramophone. Do thin wander and delighted of the natives. Shortly after 7 P.M. The bell was rung for the dance and nearly a hundred assembled in the mess room from which the stone tables had been moved. A half breed or Indian fiddler played "The girl I left behind me" and various other popular tunes and the Indians and white men of the establishment performed parading jigs & reels until the 2½ small hours of the morning. Several morning one or two of the Indians had to be ejected in consequence of having been behind too much beer. Flowers water, perfume, Perry Davis, Dai Allen or other mustine. Dave was an Indian called the "Paleceman" from having had frequent interviews with that public office where living on the frontier
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To 'Cache' 50mirs down River Jan 14 Left East Simpson accompanying Mr. Camell who volunteered to make a trip down the river to bring up my baggage as we were unable to get any Indians to undertake the job and labor at the post was scarce. We left at 5 am with the thermometer at 32° and a light wind blowing in our faces. Some Indians living at the house 30 miles down the river had left the day before, and we had been waiting to take advantage of these fresh. We followed the main trail to the river the foot of the Islands and then struck out to the river keeping it for several miles across a big bend outside of the big Islands below the 'Fort' Islands. Having with the turkuses I had considerable difficulty in following the trail as it had drifted considerably during this traverse. I froze my hands quite badly having no hand to my coat. We had our first meal a short distance below Martin River, 8 miles below the 'Fort' at daylight. After this we ran on until about half past 12 passing the 'Fort' (Here we cached some fish, birthday from 15th. Islands about 11.30. Shortly after noon I had dinner, about 70 miles below Fort Simpson. After dinner we ran on keeping on the same side of the river for about 7 miles and then crossing diagonally to the opposite side which we reached a short distance above the 'Fort Islands'. We did not know just how far below these levees the homes were, and after going a mile or two, it was so cold that we stopped and built a fire beside a stranded stump. After a short stay and a cup of warm tea we proceeded on and reached the house about 6.30. We went into the house of our Sense-e-tah who had been expecting us. The house consisted of one room about 24 by 16. At the back of the room the small fireplace with its thick mazed chimney occupies a considerable space and in the recess at each side was a bed, two sets. Beds occupied the other corners of the room. The walls were with neatly pasted with newspapers and their illustrated supplements and one or two religious chromos hung on the walls. Two small tables with drawers between stood at each end of the room. Four windows each with 6 panes of glass admitted a fair light when there was any outside. In front of this
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Fireplace, a small cooking stone with sheet iron sides and cast iron top. A "nugget". This was connected with the chimney by stovepipe. When this was fired it added considerably to heat the place, the fireplace from sending a good share of its heat up the chimney. In honour of our arrival candles burned at each end of the room on a small shelf. The occupants of this house were Scendge-tah an oldish man slightly gray and his wife — who occupied the corner both right of the fireplace. A married bridegroom — with her husband Sahtay occupied the space of the other side of the fireplace. A young man Danguis no relation to the family, and a young woman the house occupied the bed at the left hand of this door. This was cleared of its bedclothes and placed at our service. The former occupants making their beds on the floor beside it. The remaining bed was the resting place of Charlotte, a widow of the grass variety about about 20 or 22. These two daughters went among the best looking girls of the region and had Greensboro taken an active part in the New Year Dance at the fort. Jan 15: I had started from the fort down on consequence of having run about 17 miles upon a hard track a few days previously and my trunk 23 miles yesterday did not improve it so that I did not feel like going down to the cache this morning. I therefore engaged one of the Duncans, Danguis to go with his Fran of dog and bring back a part of the stuff. Mr. Cannell and the Duncans left about 7.30 and I remained at the house. Shortly after Mr. Cannell left. The old Duncan went off to five lynx across stirring before noon with their lynxes. Zero ran frog but the other a small one was yet warm and this one was stunned two after dinner. The old man's son in law also spent the forenoon going to his rabbit snare ring with a load of rabbits. I was invited to partake of roasted rabbit several times during the day and found it good much better than the same animal fried. The grass widow's and the younger brother played checkers for some time. I would gladly have played to pass the time but can
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that this game was different from the one I was accustomed to, so I did not propose taking a part. Each hand about 16 men and color being a hard thing to distinguish amongst the dirt and semi darkness the men were square or round, the board had more squares than round to accomodate the larger number of men. There were no kings or kingroar but the want that all the men jumpman backwards or any old way from the stead. About dusk Mr. Cannell arrived with all the stuff. He had had some difficulty finding the cache, leaving it on the way down, and gone by at two mains. It will make quite a deal and Mr. Cannell makes the fort in one day from her route not start until daylight, and then can easily make our cache more than halfway to the fort in time to camp before dusk. Jan 16. Left at daylight with our load which was increased both in size and weight by the two frozen lymnes which the old man had prepared on Mr. Cannell's train both for [illegible] found the morning card and my note was proven before long thus adding considerably to the area of my pass which was then affected. We had down in a shelter spot among some shrubs, and then went on. Saw many fresh mule tracks, were even in came down. Saw almost no birds on reached our cache opposite. To three Islands some time before dark and gathered a good quantity of wood before dark. We put up a canvas shelter and made them as comfortable as possible this and after sitting by the fire several hours went to bed. The night was Cold, an afternoon's gain it had gone down to 17 below and we had waked up about 3 o'clock and made a fort as soon as it was light it began to be light. We started. Had been at Martin River and then struck across the big bottom to the Fort Island. There we had difficulty in following the trail as it had been almost com- pletely obliterated. We made good time however and reached the fort just as drum was being served.
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Jan 16. We finished up a rabbit beside the Track. It had came down to the main from the woods and made a shot run among the broken ice and had this started back on its track but had sunk down and died without a struggle. I scored it to examine to try to ascertain the Cause of death. On skinning this animal, I was stunned by the dry condition of the skin and flesh, the skin separating from the flesh with difficulty. The viscera however were excessively moist even watery. The stomach contained only a small quantity of comminuted food, muddy substances in a very wet condition. The throat appeared much emplained. The heart and lungs seemed congested and were saved in formaline together with those of another specimen picked up about the same time. March 19. Took a walk down the Track down the island and saw a flock of w.w. crossbees, the first seen since early winter. There was a flock of about 10. The males were singing almost continuously as they fled on the coves of the white spruces. The song was a slow hurried but very sweet troubled song. A small frustration. March 22. Took a walk across the river to the prairies, but saw no birds. In the afternoon went down the Island Taking 1 Am. Steel Windfisher March 23. Spent the grassroom in the woods S.W. of post. Saw 2 pcs of godwakhs Observed coupled pair mating. Took 4 specimens which were from small flock. Counted ann songs in Bankean Pine 11 inches in diameter and found 102. March 25. Spent the afternoon in woods back from the river S.E. of Post. As I was watching a small flock of WHED pairs, a hawk but made a swoop at them and many them alighted on a tree near me from which I shot him. This is the first one of the season. Comorod 10 p.m. raven high in the
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air soaring about a cross Do Same times Heard a 470m w di afternoon. Took accretie 3 tris trapps in Grail's Snowpeas appeared Mch 29. Spent the day writing littles and compiling Temperature records Mch 30 Spent the day writing. Flight face of snow in fornoon but afternoon warmer, and only slightly cloudy. The buds and catkins on the melons and aldus now give a brown appearance to the woods where these trees are common or predominate. Monday Spent most of day writing warm and clear April 1. Spent most of the day in the woods taking photo etc. Warm and snow melting and settling fast. Heard dronging of Picardy am. Facettes April 2 In woods most of day, warm until afternoon. Snow ammung small moths flying about in woods. These about 1/3 inch long grayish brown and with wings killed when closed. Snow flush of about 100 snowberry trees taken colder knowing in evening April 4th. Made trip out on track s.n. of 7th taking first Canada Grouse, and a number of Carr Centspigs about the fork. Purty yellow bird. April 5. Spent nearly all day in the woods, taking a number of birds and several photos. Heard drumming of 7 Hopper. April 6 Most of day en woods, after warm day, but seen few birds. April 7. Forenoon in woods exploring a new Track on which Jack Moke has snared; found several large nests and will keep them in view as Hawks or owls may use them. Cloudy AM. warm PM. April 8 Spent forenoon in woods on track followed yesterday. Saw Gorbards eating a rabbit. Climbed to nest a large hopper and found it still lined and creativity by Gypso, but saw none about. Where it nest a pair of gophers alphest closely with lead cries. Took no bird developed. Some photos in evening at Cast Mills.
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April 9 In woods am but tort nothing April 10 Spent forenoon and half p Afternoon in woods taking a few birds and some Photos. Apr 12. Spent forenoon exploring Large Island below the Fort Poland. Took a few birds. Observed pair of Ravens on the Island nested apparently building as one was eating my grass but failed to locate nest. No female Swallowtails yet. Buds of Viburnum spread considerably many insects observed on ice. Apr 13 Spent part of day in woods Taking some birds. Female Swallowtail taken Apr 14 Forenoon in woods taking a ruffed grouse. Saw another. They were enjoying the bits of bare ground on a sunny hillside. That number of snowbutterflies Females first taken and forming apparently about 1/6 of the flock. Apr 15 Forenoon in woods but few birds not seen. Female Snow butterflies now numerous. April 17: Spent forenoon in woods up Lord Reid's. A warm day. Saw many birds and a dark butterfly with light bars and wings a medium sized Butterfly egg in St. Owl's nest Apr 18 Forenoon in woods. Not many birds observed. Saw another white bordered Butterfly and two rather small Swallows with dark spots on wings. Day very warm & pleasant. Evening nearly all gone in fields and much water on ice in river. Apr 19. Spent part of day in woods but took nothing in particular. A num- ber of butterflies seen. Apr 20. Made an excursion to top of hill across the channel. Taking a ruffed grouse. One or two more Grouse seen. Apr 21. Jack Donora and other birds. Quite a number of morphotises seen in woods. Butterflies Common. April 22 Made trip out on Joe's Tract to Owls nest, and found it
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contoured Two egg which I took also taking one of the owls. Found the walking any bad in the woods and had to made many small streams. Had to walk about two miles in mud and grate on my way home down the Leard. Quite a lot of water is now coming down the Leard and the Machenge is nearly covered with water, though it in running over the ice only along the shore of the water. Keeps on this way the Leard must soon break. Snow was gone from open ground, except the deepest drifts Saturday Apr 23. Spent forenoon and Past afternoon in woods on the Island. Took a pair of rabbits. in changing pulate. Saw four birds and took none. The catkins of Alnus alnobetula opened today. Saw many willows on the island 10 miles in diameter. The ice commenced to break at the mouth of the Leard Yesterday and this morning there was quite a open shooting. And a chagunl opened again the battle. Sunday took some photos. The Leard rose considerably. Mosquitoes biting. Monday Apr 25. Leard still deep and some new channels opened across the battle. Took a number of Lapland Longspurs they are feeding in the field between the Fork and the Mission. and along the shore of the river Tuesday April 26. Took a pair birds but the day was windy and rather cold. and forrest seen. Wednesday April 27. Spent the forenoon setting small Traps, but sun too fride to collect. Spent most of the afternoon overhauling my provisions and outfit Thursday Apr 28. Set more small traps and secured a number of birds including Horned Lark. Took a ruffed grouse on drumming stand. Keard a number of road frogs and secured three.
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quantities of driftwood. The river is now jammed tight everywhere and has risen probably 10 feet. The purple water now flows down the channel back of the islands. The outer purples of the battery is now covered several feet deep with ice and water. Monday May 2. Took no birds except a Juncos, which was singing. Reset some traps. During the day the ice moved a few hundred yards down but still remains packed tightly. Tuesday May 3. During the night the River broke away and continued to clear all day when all the central part of the channel was open. A few gulls [illegible] appeared on the river today. Heard Chorophiles for the first time this evening. Wednesday May 4. River continues to clear of ice. Observed several animals today which are [illegible] records. Took a number of mammals and a few birds, and made them up. Thursday May 5. A very stormy day and did not visit my traps. Fifth PM short-eared owls in traps. Nearly all the ice along shore, except that filled high, close to the bank that was carried away. Friday May 6. Rain fell heavily and PM turned to snow which fell fairly most of the PM but did not remain. Spent most of the Afternoon in woods securing a number of birds and several mammals in traps. Saturday May 7. Took a number of birds Found. Fox sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers abundant in the morning on the island. Made a trip across the back channel but found few birds there. Large numbers of Snowgeese passed over today following the Mackenzie, but arriving by water, probably by the land or over lands.
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Sunday May 8. The day was rather mild. In the P.M. I went for a walk and reset some of my traps. Current bushes, cormorant's bean. Monday May 9. Took a number of birds. Yellow warblers. Common as well as Fox sparrows which were singing. Tuesday May 10. Out in the woods early in the morning securing a number of birds. Took little in my traps. Searched a long- gone owl in a spruce thicket. Investigation of his stomach showed that with a microtus and an Eustomys already buried he had finished off with an- other Microtus and her five young ones. Large sheets. A MacKenzie ice came down Thursday. Wednesday May 11. Out in the woods before breakfast and all the AM. Took several birds, including the first Y.B. Sparrow. Got a male B.W. Owl in trap. The lightest colored one taken. After Supper went with Fred Camwell across the river in his small Canoe. Encountered a flock of Red- squaws and secured seven of them. They are very beau- tiful and interesting birds and with their wild clear notes and graceful flight interested me very much. Thursday May 12. Spent the forenoon in the woods visiting the lower end of the creek. Secured a few birds. After the afternoon as specimens. Got some willows and other shrubs. After supper went across the river with Fred Camwell. We saw few ducks and several moose but took three Short-tailed Gulls. Quite a lot of ice was drifting toward evening. Friday May 13. Spent the forenoon in woods. The leaves on the aspens and birches were showing quite plainly on the hillside where these trees predominate. But few geese or swans are now flying. The MacKenzie ice broke down at Six P.M. At 6:20, the night was full of drifting ice and passed several feet again. Crossing the bottom, and back Camwell
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Friday May 20. Out in woods early all the AM and part of PM. and took quite a large number of birds, among them a series of Painted Langsper- A small flock was found in the field below the Fork and by following them around and hunting them carefully I took 10. They fly in a loose flock and not as flock as the Lapland long. Sprigs, and are harder to see on the ground, as they creeed very stealthily among the grass. They did not usually fly low when disturbed: I heard their characteristic note only a few times. A meadow Lark was taken- It was unknown to all the inhabitants of the place, and is probably only a Strayler. Also saw a house wren but was unable to secure M. and Rene. Franco & Ricio (Pankleman) out. Saturday May 21. Rain fell most of the afternoon. Several birds were recorded, and made up and I partially finished repairing my canoe. In the evening I packed up a portion of my Writers collection. The weather has been calmer as the rain comes from the N. and East. Sunday May 22. Took no birds but noted a number including some arrivals Calypso bulbosa in flower, also white flowered Riber and winter currant growing on the roads. Violet (blue) first noted along a creek, as are white violet. Monday May 23. Was out at 5 AM. and though Today was cold and windy managed to secure a number of desirable birds. Found a small flock of Golden Plovers in the field back of Fork and Secured too. In the evening after supper went out on the river with Fred Cunwill securing a number much ice, broodily from 1 Lake Of ducks, more coming down the Meadowgl
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Tuesday May 24 The weather continues cold and few birds are coming and the leaves are of course consequently slower. Was out early and shot a few birds including young redpolls just from the nest. About the middle of the afternoon as I was hunting about the middle of the island. I heard a dog barking and coming nearer and a minute later a female moose ran past me grunting furiously with the dog in close pursuit. As I had only small shot in my gun I did not fire. The tracks of the animal made during the previous night were all about a small meadow. The moose turned off toward the main shore to the west. Shortly after dark I started over that way and when halfway to the backchannel heard two or three shots and drop baking and running to the river saw the moose in the water body wounded and Tenislaw an Indian living at the river in the water to his breast having just fired his last ball at it. He had been hunting rabbits and had only his shotgun. We ran around by a sandy spit to the animal which was close to the opposite shore and I gave her the finishing touch with 13B shot and having bargained for the skin and made the opening cuts. I came home recovering the skin and skull later in the day. In the evening I went out on the River with Fred Camwell and secured specimens of Leotis and Gratin Leaps noting also other species. The ice has now nearly stopped jump on the Mackenzie and the "Wrigley" as expected every day and in fact have been expected for some time but is probably detained at Willow River or account of lack of work.