Diary, 1904, of trip to the Athabaska-Mackenzie region

[illegible]

June 1 1904 Fort Simpson to 5 miles below Made an excursion to the moors before breakfast but saw no new camps. Spent the day making preparations at camp for my trip down the river and was able to hire another man Dan Leng. So now have two having already hired Archibald Goodner a young man with a trace of Indian who has lately come down from Fort Nelson. Was not able to get away until after supper but was able to start to get clear of the post. Mr must down about 5 miles and encamped on the right bank of the river banks at camp on the fort

Thursday June 2 Killed a moose before leaving Camp. It trot to the river a short distance above our camp On its left bank of the river- climbing banks reach back from the river where below on the same side the sides of the valley is wooded nearly to the winters edge. The banks are covered with the usual growth. Tamarack now commencing to leave and the two top leaves with leaves about half grown. Inhauled our Third meal near the Stony Island. The valley of the river has here become much lower than at Fort Simpson. At one point on the right bank I saw again Balsamain pines but they seldom approach this immediate shores were encamped at sunset on a place about 50 or 60 miles below Fort Simpson. Pete Vacha joined us at 11 am. Friday June 3 Moved an early Start and continued on down the river. These are many shale terrain several miles in length in reached the mouth of the Hanni River shortly after noon and started to ascend it with the boat. On account of the great fluctuations in its volume of water at different seasons it is broad and shallow in places and so cut up into several channels encircling low islands. The current was strong and Troubling difficult [illegible] 10 rounded it about

5 miles and encamped our accomod of the "lay" of the country. It is impossible to approach near the bases of the higher mountains further up the river and they can not be reached without the expenditure of more time than I can spare or I shall induce to mark these remains one a little from this camp. I saw a rumbling rabbits, a lynx, and foxes of a wolf, bear, and a moose and her small calf. These sights have now entirely changed their village except that they have a few saddling white hares Saturday, June 4. Started after breakfast to climb the hill and reached its summit before noon. Took several photos. From the summit Mt. Caswell on whose bare summit much snow still remained, lay at a distance of perhaps 15 miles. To the east the meadenge was opened out and beyond as far as eye could reach, stretch ded a vast forest, a good valley being visible. To the S.E. between the Niles and the Mack Valley, a broad expanse of marshy with hundreds of studdles and in the distance in the same ducks was a long low ridge perhaps the Caribou Notch. To the Northmark or marked the broad valley of the North Wahani River.

and in the distance range open range lofty with extended the highest capped with snow. To the North the Nahanni Mts extended. parallel with the Mackenzie, observed the following on th 2nd so near it Cornus can. & red [illegible] rarea m pierce Aristotrophyllo nplone Valeriana halfgrown M fallowns along the ridge and came come by way of a small lake on which one sight Archibell's pther. Saw then half finished nest and took a photo of it Many tracks of Moose and bears. Mosquitoes Today became transformed for the first from this season in the small lake I saw many small fish with a light lateral line evidently the same as I found between Rae and Ben Lake East summer Sun Eutamias but ceased not appear at

Sunday Jan 1st. Took warm peromypous in traps and shot a bird or two. Strayed a good deal in the middle of the day. For some shots the days were windy but the magpies were not too lesser. Wednesday Jan 6th. Left our camp and descended Nahanni River and kept on down the Mackenzie. A strong head wind sprung up and delayed us very much so that by 3 o'clock we had made no more than about 15 miles about 10 miles below Nahanni River discovered a nest of Grey Owl beside the river. It was in a dead stump so just from the ground situated in a place where had been burnt over. I shot the female as she left the nest and on cut down the tree finding two young ones about 3 weeks old which were killed by surface The nest contained 3 young birds about the size of red squirrel, partially eaten continuing an m snr at last forced to lie by, so ran up into a closed of channel behind a large slant and encamped. I did some skinning, discovered a nest of the Varied Thrush and took it together with the red birds. It was built in a small space I put from the ground situated in a dense forest

of the same bus near the Centre of the island. The eggs were incubated about 3 days Toward eleven o'clock shot by after summit the road went down and we went on for about 8 miles encamping shortly before sunrise for some sleep. Took some photos of the Mts near Mt. Rahammi. A fair sized river enters the Mackenzie from the Mts about 10 miles below Rahammi Riv. Friday June 7 Made a poorly early start. The day was fine and we made good progress and reached Wrigley shortly after 4 o'clock. After a stay of a couple I have to mention it for clear of the port and encamped on one of a group of small islands seems below Mt. Wrigley. I finished with all specimens on hand. Wednesday June 8 It started to blow hard early that morning and we could not leave camp until noon. Last night before the north wind sprung up there was evidently a movement of small bats as they are common near our camp in the forenoon having evidently been stuffed after dinner as the mud was somewhat abated we started but of course made only short time tracked the Rock by the river's side between bank

Wrigley passed us at 12.30 in the night 4. Between Wrigley and this Trent the right bank is usually high but after passing here the left bank is usually higher and the right bank came paritly low, 12 or 15 miles below the Rocks we passed the mouth of a small stream entering from the right having dark waters, and Mr. camped a short distance below here at 9 P.M. Day 9 Got a good start and a fine day, and made good progress. Bunn's Contour Faults low nearly to Blackwater which we reached about 3.17 p.m. great quantities of ice seen midstream both shores & about same point Across the river from this mouthly the Blackwater a little below more than two houses whims some Kandahars pass the winter 19849. We ammied them and I took Photos of them. Several geological hammer and similar articles has been abandoned, as the party returned up the river to Ballooney Spring. Just below here the river makes a sharp bend to the left and the right bank is very high then it turns back again. A few miles below here The Dahalenne enters from the left And there is a broad stretch of willows crossed country

below to mouth. Mr reached & narrer cutting from banks in the evening. All along the banks have held a great deal of ice, but below here, the quantity is same thing advancing and much if it probably from this mouth of the East river as much as 20 feet in thickness. Mr had difficulty in finding a Campground place on account of the ice and finally laid ed under left bank below the long stretch of high bank and made some kind of a camp. Roth Clarke as directly across at is fully will cross Mr Snow Friday June 10. Made a family early start and continued on down to river. Had a fair wind to start with, but it soon turned and we had to paddle against it nearly all this afternoon. Mr passed several long bends and large banks and built right around miles above Norman — a long stretch of very high banks of sandstone and even which is an out in several places. Mr reached First Norman at 7.30. Found the Wragley there as she had decided not to go down to Crook Point.

So I shall be obliged To take everything I figure in my canoe in, stead of shipping a pack on the Wrigley. The rain is here and they are afraid that they will be unable to return in time to make the regular trips. She is to leave on the upward trip Tomorrow at 4 P.M. Saturday June 11 Wrigley left at 4 P.M. to return to Fort Simpson Put in most of the fore noon collecting and most of the afternoon skinning birds. Took several interesting species Put out a good line Of small traps. Observed several interesting Shrews in my canoe and took a few. Sunday June 12 From a few specimens of mammals I procured a number of plants. Obtained a ground squirrel from an old man who killed it on the opposite side of the river for bait. The animal is said to be common in the hills but seldom seen near the river. Also obtained a fine fish like a gulliver from an Indian who netted it at the mouth of Sun River. The day was fine

Monday Jun-13. Took a number "Birds" and a few mice and made them up. The day was fine in the am but it rained heavily in the afternoon. Wheat was sent to First Land Hope this morning so as as I send some of my pupils on by bus which will enable me to carry the work with more speed and safety. Tuesday Jun-14. Took a few mammals including [illegible] Richerson and a few frogs and made them up. Paid visit at Bishop Enegis post a visit and obtained a old fox for a specimen and had a look at the fox they had collected and obtained some information regarding number of skins found of different kinds. Wednesday Jun-15. The day was very windy cold and raining, and I could collect bird litter. Took a few mammals and birds.

Thursday June 16. Footed up my traps and when I had finished my work and packed some things 4 o'clock on left and started down the river at 4 P.M. Bear Rims enters a half mile below and its clear blue water remains distinct from the muddy water of the Machungie for several miles on the west side of Bear Rims. The waters of a small muddy stream are visible also keeping distinct for some distance. I soon passed the end of Bear Rock and facing the river is thick and nearly dead of trees presenting somewhat the same appearance that Roche Tompallian flows from its over side. A short distance below here I stopped for lunch. There was a recent track of a moose. The banks are gravelly or staly and much ice lay along shore a short distance below here. I passed a long low cliff when I saw a nest of alarm with young. A duck hawke was also flying about but apparently had not with as yet. A short distance below here, in just a short as it was raining heavily. I had come about 15 miles along the east bank

June 17 The road commenced to blow strongly in the night and it rained heavily. As the wind kept up all day we could not move During the forenoon we had a good deal of rain and some sleet and snow. In the afternoon it was less brisk and in the evening the wind went down and we made a start at about 9 P.M. with only a slight heat wind. Mr. soon came in sight of some high snow-capped Mts. on the eastern side of the pass and by 12 P.M. had arrived opposite to the nearest. Here we made a stop for lunch and June 18 I took some Photos, a long range of snow-capped Mts. were visible across the river; the range runs parallel to the River and the rising sun shone on them (1 A.M.) made a very beautiful sight. We had commenced on the Long Pass and travelled continuously all day until 7 P.M. making 22 hours continuous track without rest. We saw the first of the day and got to within a short distance of the San Sanet Rapid having made nearly a hundred miles since last night. Took a number of Photos

June 19. Made a good start and soon passed the Sun Lance Rapids running it close to the left bank by a high cut bank. A short distance below here we saw a bear on the shore and running the canoe ashore successfully stalled and killed it—a small female. Skinned it for a specimen and took the meat and skin contained on Mr had expected to reach Fort Good Hope but delay cd by the bear and by wind we could not reach that and triumphed late above Rampart at Sempish Creek. June 20. Left our camp at Blue Fish creek at a fairly early hour and soon passed. The Rampart Rapids running close to the right bank. Our accident of the high water there was only a slight gurgling of the current though on the other side of the river the roar showed that there was some very rough water. Immediately below here we entered the Ramparts. While the river runs for 7 miles between perpendicular walls of lime stone several hundred feet in height. On the face of the cliffs were abundant Cliff Swallows bending their nests. We got it.

Just Good Hope before noon and Mr. Kindly H. Carr by Mr. L.P. Gaudet who formerly sent many specimens to the Smithsonian and by his son Mr. Lee Gaudet. Gaudet St. has paned 43 years at this post, but what time he has only once been "outside" I camped in a house belonging to the Company and explored the vicinity a little during the after- noon, and set some traps. Lee still remains beside a creek back of the post. Got a white fish from a lake a few miles away tributary to Navestock River. Was a twin with Mr. Gaudet about whatefish etc. He tells me that they get a fresh one, but more later, that comes up the Mackenzie to spawn, but does not pass the Rampart or Sams River Rapid. They call at the Thompson but it is different from the Bear Lake. June 21 Took for Mammals and some birds. Steamed an Indian duck from Andrew Lemalette. It was shot a few miles down the river. Called on Mr. G. Staton who is "tiding" for Niskop and Wagler and had a talk with him regarding guns e tc. Spent a short time

catch butterflies and from quite a variety Bows are rather scarce in the vicinity except a very few species. at midnight went out for a short time and saw a number of birds which are singing at that time but are hard to see in the undergrowth From the small hill one seventh of a mile north of the Fort the sun did not set, though immediately at the Fort which is perhaps 100 feet lower it goes out of sight for a short time. June 22. Took a few mammals and birds and some more butterflies, and a number of Photos including some of the flowering shrubs. The Forenoon was fine and very warm but early in the afternoon a thunder storm came up and cooled the air. June 23. Took a few mammals and birds and preserved some plants. In the after- noon went across the large Lakewhore Fort Good Hope formerly stood, Manitou Island. On it are reports of 30 small ponds and some of considerable size and many ducks

and grubs and other main birds breed there we found no nests as the Indians had already searched the island for eggs. I saw a number of birds not before observed here and took some. Saw a pair of variegated thrushes but was unable to secure them. Mr. Gault [illegible] me the claws of a large brown bird taken near the mouth of the Mackenzie. He has also had some canoes made for me of the mudflats mail line. Fort Good Hope June 24. Took a few specimens and made them up and made some preparations to start tomorrow June 25. Laid out traps and finished up. Left Fort Hope about 12 o'clock and continued on down the river until nearly eleven when we encamped on the left bank. The banks are mostly high in some cases steep cut banks everal hundred feet high bordering the river Harriman river, about 2 miles below the Fork is a very dark clear water The current at its mouth is very slack. Several

smaller streams run past on the right bank Toward spring Mr. passed some camps of Indians who were fishing on forks. Caught in the eddies. Saw a part of Deade Ranks and after a short search found them next with Ziggo Fork them and that parent rest at cage of clay bank beneath white shiner The male was shy and was not taken Sunday June 26 Made a fairly early start and paddled on down the river. Passed a great many islands. Were much delayed by head wind and did not make a very good day. We encamped about 12 PM, a short distance below some Indian Names on the right bank. Passed many high banks mainly on right side. Passed a range of hills to the left of River and at camp another poor range lies to the north a short distance back from the river. Learned from Indian that Old 7 Foot Hope is just below across

Monday June 29 The wind rose in the night and I kept up all day and m could not more was up in good time and discovered a number of bunnies of ground squirrels along the clay banks. Snaught a pair of adults and two young ones by shooting and trapping. They burrow all along below high water mark but then rattle Lares are high up on the clay banks. They run about 1/2 grown I saw also a number of rabbits which were very numerous and skinned there. Left at 9 PM and Traveled into the night Tuesday June 28 Traveled until 6 AM and then put ashore to sleep a little. Wk again at 12 as Traveled night. Baw northly high Clay. Saw 3 more a cow and calf which starts 4 soon in the river. I secured Snap shots of them. Drove the calf ashore and caught it by hand. A few miles below saw a loagbeall on an island. Landed and went down along the edge of the willow wall. I saw him coming forward me. When I Crouched behind a thin willow shrub and let him approach within 50 feet Although I was not plan

sight heated not seem me mill I stood up and whi lled to him Being in a hurry and unable to take the meat did not kill him. Francel jmid (Jn 29) 3 am. and then encamped as the wind was strong ahead. Left agin at 9 but had to stop at 12 with wind. Cooked and did some Taxidermy Left again at 4. and Francel until 12 Fork Photos & midnight sun and then camped on right bank on lower Ramparts preferring To reach Red River Post During the day. Thursday June30. Left our camp rather late and passed through the ramparts with a hard wind to the mouth of Red River where Red River post is built. There I stopped afour hours Met Mr.Walker one of the police boys who have passed the winter at Fat McPherson. Also met Mr. James Campbell in charge of the Post. Got some interesting information from Fire Gisout regarding fish and he has promised to see me again and to get me some specimens. Mr Campbell wished to go to McPherson so we gave him a passage in left about 4 P.M.

And wrote down the Marchenzi. The ramparts gradually decrease in height and 10 or 12 miles down the banks shore sunk to mere banks of clay, overgrown with willows and with a few spruces, a few miles farth on the river winding out into the Delta enveloping some very large islands. We left to the left and encamped at the mouth of the Peel shortly before sundown. Dad intended to remain here a day or two but water birds are too scarce that it will not pay Friday July 1. Carharray rather late and reached the mouth of Peel River shortly about 10 am. The banks here are very low and clothed with willows and others but farther back are steeper. We paddled up the river until 11 and then reached good fishing ground and commenced fishing. The men fishing by turns of an hour each. The river is very winding and are usually bordered by a cut clay bank barn on the concave side the bends are low banks of clay and sand on the other. This necessitates crossing the river at nearly every bend. We kept on

Steadily sloppy only trice for food and reached Fort McPherson shortly after midnight. Mr. Kendly received by Mr. Firth and given the use of a house to camp in and after sitting some supper and sitting with went to bed for a few hours sleep. Saturday July 2. Put in the day working on specimens on hand and set some traps for Small mammals. Obtained a raccoon from an Indian. Got some information regarding game from the Palace corps and others. White sheep are just plentiful in Birch Maintain the termination of the mts toward the mouth of the Mackenzie. 2 poor ahead Thorns from there of good size. 3 Lynt Traced at Red River 5 Silver Taters. Sunday July 3. Fixed up some specimens. In the evening made a call on Archdeacon McDonald who has been here a great many years. Extended to take photos of the midnight sun but it was clouded over at the time as it has been for several evenings but some mice in my traps

Monday July 4. Went out after birds during the early hours of the morning as that is the best time for them: went & bed about 5 or 6 am. and slept until now A few Estimoes are now here although most of them have gone. They live on fish and geese which they shot on the coast and which are now rotten. With a number of Erostamps and set a long series trips on the swamp and sembarin place back the post Friday July 5- The night was cold and rainy and did not make my usual early morning hunt for birds. Rainy & cold all day Fork putting on my trip but Erostamps and Coo birds Wednesday July 6. Took only a few specimens. The day was cold & rainy. Made an early morning hunt for birds but with poor success. Took some butterflies.

Thursday July 7 Went after birds in the early AM. but took few. There were only a few species about and there are not many then the day was fine although the sun was clouded at midnight no usual. Took some photos in the P.M. and at midnight saw of the midnight sun with different steps. This is the first time that it has been visible since I arrived here Friday July 8 Only a few specimens and some plants. In the evening went across the river and ascended a small stream a short distance to some lopes but found little there. The sun was again bright and I took a couple more shots at it. Small shark at midnight

Saturday July 9, Lorna four specimens, and prepare them. Some Dudeans came in from the Lu River Noun program. bring pig then spring lamb & deer and some meat. They meet a few caravan when crossing the mountains. These animals spend the summer for the most part near the Crank a few only remaining in the semibaren country bit southward. They Commence to move southward in August going only 300 or 400 miles and return About March sometimes coming to thetheastwork of the Ntly part of Peel River, about 2000 fre- quently most of them In their movements they head toward the prairie tracts. The Dudeans from to carry all their goods across the 80 mile portage and of course each one has a load, and each dog carries 30 or 40 lbs. I took some snapshots of small parties when they arrived although the sun was not very good

Smuley July 10. Obtained a few specimens and some information regard ing game animals. Mr. Firth tells me that many [illegible] skins used to be traded here when his father came here 30 years ago. They were brought in by Indians from East of the Moulungie. Wood deer are also occasionally taken during one year between 6 & 7000 marten rare killed here. Mourns are still killed within a few miles of the fort. One Indian killed 10 last winter. They [illegible] from them down In the deep snow as they are usually not sufficient to hunt them in the moral manner Monday July 11. For a few specimens, procured some plants and took some photos. The day was fine and cloudless. With no wind and the mosquitoes very bad Tuesday July 12. The Wrigley is now expected. Nearly and little is being done by any one. At 12 P.M. the sun was fully visible for the last time.

Wednesday July 18. Day passed in expectation much as yesterday. Both nomammans except Entomups of which I have plenty. Obtained a specimen of the small philippus found in Pat & lower Marungu R and called The Broken noose? Thursday July 19. Rose up my trips in the early morning but got with [illegible] any consequence. The steam finally arrived about 3 P.M. Having been detained 2 days in Great Plan Lake [illegible] Friday July 20. Spent the day in settling my accounts and getting ready to start with a skull said to be that I am returning from the Bank near the site of the C.C. Mission. Sat July 21. Rain commenced to fall in the early morning and it proved a disagreeable day to embark. We left about 3 and stopped for Mana about 20 miles down Husky River 12 miles from the Fort. Returned lastly in 8 miles before Reaching the meeting of the Rivers at 12 P.M.

To River Sunday July 17. Ent to Red Rivin about 4:20 in the morning and after a short stop went on. Obtained specimen of the first species of white chil, common at the fork and at 7th Methroon. Got some information as follows: Gray Sucker came the first week of June and leave about the 15th or 20th of June. The Locke came at the same time and does not winter and return at the end of November and remain till December. The Herring at 2nd or 3rd week in June reached to the Rampart Rapids some agent 3 weeks at Red River and are seldom nearly cell Rivin at Good Hope and return late in the fall. Incconn come 2nd week in June to begin of August on the river. They reach Red River. The end of October. They winter at the mouth of the Mackenzie and some taken at Herschel Rapids. They reach the Rampart Rapids only. The big white fish came from the mouth of the Mackenzie about the last week of June and remain until the begory of Sept. at Red River gradually working up and taking Good Hope Ramparts.

and they return the last week of October only staying for 10 days. The Tullibee (scorpionhead) only a few are taken before September and these come from the Cats nearby. By this beginning of September they arriving in great numbers from the sea, reach a small river about 15 miles above Red River and only a few reach that far the South. This stream and spawn in very deep basin at the mouth of Red River as many as 107 are captured in a single net. They are abundant During September and October. The Red sucker has the same movements as the gray sucker. The Pike is not common the six horned bullhead rarely comes to Red River but does sometimes come The Flounder is rather rare on the coast but does not enter the Muskellunge. There is a small bluefish without scales with a small dorsal fin. There is a kind of trout in a round leddy very fast and very heavy having only a smaller body cavity.

There are two known large lam trout one with black odd dark fleck and one with light fleck. The salmon is rarely captured only about 3 or 4 lamp Calm in a fall among many thousands of hattera and other fishes collected The small Northern fish is found all the sum and fall at Red River When or studied foam Red River on occasion over that a blade had been lost from its propeller. Mr. Stinky steamed through the Lower Pan parts, in cream & fond a good place to [illegible] The stern of the boat had mild injury. Stopped at the Devil the Ramparts at 9.20 and got away at 1.40 We kept on steadily from here and at dark had come a long May. To 60 miles below Good Hope Monday p.m. Passed the site of Old Fort Good Hope at about 6 in the morning This is opposite Thunder River. The River below here where then as a cobra is called Spray good Many ground Aguals along shots. The place where they commence

toocen along the river was painted out & me by Perc Graves It was a once in high Sandy reed hills I Wanda's about 60 miles below Grand Forks late in the evening I had to stop local Mad For a burden Eagle on a tree on the shore only a hundred yards so carrying Saint Charles at 11.20am Tuesday July 19 1914 for travel in the early morning a short Distance below Ford Home and arrived at the post at 6.40 Lane at Lord's nearly all day and project of the bucc what I had there some left over from last date Left Lord Hope shortly after 4 am on the P.M. Wednesday July 20 To near Norman Saint Raphael between 1 and 3 in the morning had some difficulty in getting up. Passed Ogilvies Island at 11.AM. At 10.50 stopped at the provifile just below Brian Rock & not up.

Thursday July 21. Left shortly after midnight and saw smoke at 1:30 am. and after picking up my specimens left at 6:15 A.M. Steamed up the river at the early and stopped at Birch Island about midnight. Towing barks out The leader U.S. affairs to other matters. Friday July 22 To Rocky Riverside Depot. Birch Island About 10.20 A.M. and cautious up the river passing Blackwater River early in the evening. The border are bright with fire wood. Seen very few birds. On Birch Island observed the Alder with irregular edged leaves which I have seen and taken before, 1420.

Saturday July 23 Stepped about 6.30am left on some wood, at Red Cabin. Reached Wungley at 9.10. The rain was falling heavily. Left Wungley at 11.15. a short distance where Wrigley saw some geese on the bank. Stopped and saw a boat ashore to get some for ford, but got only one secured to ski. White found some muddy gulls. At Big Point stopped for wood taken on pick Cords. Lost another Pappell blade in the army Rained hard all day Passed Nahanai River at 10.40 July 24. Washed for up Pump and laid up at 2 am. Sunburn about 2 miles to find a place to haul out. The day turned out fine but it being Sunday did not work. July 25. Commenced to haul out the boat at 2.30am and worked all day on shrams. and had losing at dawn. Collected some plants and made other observats.

July 26. Cast array at 8:45 and continued on toward Simpson. The day was fine In the PM observed 3 minnows below, [illegible], but failed to keep any in pannier. Mayes [illegible] The Eve at Sachem about 20 miles Below Fort Simpson. Reached Fort Simpson at 11. P.M. July 27. Remained at Fort Simpson all day and some [illegible] [illegible] specimens [illegible], an [illegible] in the morning July 28. I left Fort Simpson at 4:15 and started for Fort Providence. The banks are high as at Fort Simpson. Passed Spence River 7:30 P.M. and at 7 P.M. had probed the bend of the river from with the current. Stopped and we could make better time. July 29. Reached Fort Providence at 8:50 A.M. Obtained a piece of Eden Rock from Mr. Hodgson. Fort Providence is pleasantly situated on the left right bank of the river, after a short stop we went my [illegible] and [illegible] other on the bank [illegible].

here at 1.40 P.M. with first weather. Kept on until 9.15 only m had Laucher on acct 7 Jig. Had intended to reach Wembley Harbor (Bimaras Islands) but cured out July 30. Started at 8.20 Am and put at Wembley Harbor at 4.30. Stayed only a short time and Nursed but had 6 nm back. Left again at 10.30 Am. In the afternoon it came on foggy but Left on at reached Murksty's Isl. at 9.15- The "Carsten" N.T. Noyles boat was anchored here on her way from Para to Clevelan Sun Mr Dislok. Remained at anchor at Nuranty Do. all night Sunday July 31 Left Nardntk Do. at 3 am. and at 4.30 passed Slavv Ponitz. The day was dull but with Little fogs. Kept on SW the Northern Arm and trailed Fort Par about 1. P.M. Wrestlers with the P.M. and got some things I had inflicted to pickup, a white fish, some shull and a smoke of a dogrib cheese. D hing Sunday or dex not do much work and will not start until to- Morrow.

Monday Aug1. Forenoon abroad with the early morning and left spent 3 km. for Fort Resolution reached the mouth of the Northern Arm Shortly before noon, Arr at Hartley B. at 1:30 pm. at Resolute at 7. PM. Remaind only a short time then went cut to Island for wood - lost one cattle Had included 5 trails en route at daylight but had to leave on account of [illegible] Tuesday Aug 2. Kept on up Slave River East abroad before him huts cut it: Spent a short time ashore and took some photos - a fine day Wednesday, Aug 3 Cut road again in morning, only a few Navigators. Reached Fort Smith at 4:15 Thursday Aug 4. Remaind at Ft Smith joined Holm and their boat across portage W.S. Grahame

Frid Aug 5 Spent Day on Esophone. Raining all day. Baggage and a smaller Freight came down in evening and all is ready & start early in Morning Saturday Aug 6 Left very early in Morn and proceeded up the River, arrived at Fort Chippewyan early in the Evening. Sunday Aug 7. The day was mostly fine but windy and we Remained at Fort Chip all day. Got away About 5.30 a clock and soon entered the mouth of the river Proceeded up a short distance and tied up for the night Monday Aug 8 Started at an early hour and left going steadily all day. Passed Papleau Pond about 6.15 Tuesday Aug 9. Kept on up the River and reached Fort McKay Little Red River early in the PM Mist across and took on Wood, and in the evening Proceeded a short distance up the river and stopped

Wednesday Aug 10 Started at an early hour and reached Fort McMurray at 11 A.M. Scouts from A. Laidig not yet arrived. Paid a visit to the Settlement and to the Camp of Count Van Kleemasterin. Whose Camp for oil a short distance down the river A place has been treated an machinery partially set up, but no work has yet been done Thursday Aug 11 Spent short of the from the woods taking a number of birds and some plants Friday Aug 12 Took a number of birds including morning burner. which I found in the rich woods on the island Saturday Aug 13 Spent a part of the day in the woods but not very much work done. Recorded. The day was very lush with smoke from forest fires somewhere to the Eastward Sunday Aug 14 Spent the day quietly. Contemplated The transport expects to start tomorrow Monday August Loaded on effects out the Staws and left Fort McMurray shortly after noon. Kept on the right hand of the river and encamped at pit

solven at the Fault The Mountain Rapid The evening was cloudy Threatening rain. Tuesday Aug 16. Left about 7 o'clock and after touch up to the main part of the Mountain Rap Crossed to the left bank landing at the upper end of a limestone cliff which rises abruptly from the water. If the boats does not reach the point they are swept down for a long distance and may even have to remain on the river. All the boats fortunately reached the desired point though one The cork Boat - was stuck for some time on a rock in Mud stream a short distance above the Mountain Rapid seems a bruit several miles long and a great mass of color from the for ward. I reached the Carcouse Rapid about 1 o'clock here the loads and 4 lee portaged as morn occupied all the afternoon. I make ashore excursion to observe some Birds, Zen sage but Rams (dark grunts) Amelanchier at the mountain shrubs

Mr encamped a short Distance above the Carnice Rapid. Monday Aug 17. There night was clear and Calm, and a very Horn fell MrMode an early start and soon reached the Stony Rap here we crossed to the right bank. We had a good deal of Troublesome Current this, and then came to the Crooked Rapid, which is almost Continuous with the Stony Rapid. At the Crooked Rapid, the current was down up and we soon passed up it. ahead of the men I killed a Golden Eagle with a stone. It had caught and devoured a woodchuck (Arctomys). We kept on until near sunset. One of the men killed a small deer a short distance above the Crooked Rapid. Thursday Aug 18. Made an early start and kept on up the river. Crossed the long and middle Raps on the right bank and crossed to the left bank just below the bar- Rapid where we selected camping a short distance above it.

Friday Aug 19. Kept on up the river all day keeping on the left bank and camping about half way between Litten Buffalo Crt. and Grand Rapid a short distance below the Prince Rapid. day somewhat rainy. Saturday Aug 20. Kept on up the river all day. Day somewhat Rainy Camped about halfway between Little Buffalo R. and Grand Rapid Sunday Aug 21 Remained in camp all day. rainy and little observed. Monday Aug 22. Left our camp rather late and reached Grand Rapid about noon The men began to carry the few and baggage up by the looking place and at night had carried most of it up and had gotten two boats up Tuesday Aug 23. Remain at Grand Rapid setting the boats up. Made a trip to the island on this boat to bring over some for our goods. Saw Jack Clements. Left G.R. Shortly after 6. and went up about 4 miles & camped

To 10 miles from Neuer. Wednesday Aug 24 Left camp about 7 A.M. and reached Hamilton about 11. then crossed to the left bank. Kept up on this side all day. Day Cloudy but with little wind. Encamped at night in beautiful woods. Spruce, ferns, [illegible] Thursday Aug 25. To near Pelican Rapids. Day clear & warm. Kept on up the river all day. Crossed to the right bank early in the fore- noon and kept on that side all day. Friday Aug 26. A fine day. Kept up on same side until after 3 P.M. Pelican Rapids crossed on the left bank and soon reached Pelican Portage. Then stopped at the Midnight Sun, a stern wheel steam owned by Words at Cornwall. This. The words first took both found, got some mail. Some of the passengers left on the steam which left about 5 o'clock. There was little to attend to but they concluded to encamp here. Took some photos. Man, Spring during

Saturday Aug 27 Got away in good time and kept off an. Same side of the river until nearly sunset when we crossed to right bank. Twice one of the men killed a bear in the afternoon they are numerous and as now feeding on the various berries I saw many bushes I found broken berries, which are not ripe as are the more ripe Cornus Cornus — still have some flowers in shady locations though most of the berries are. ripe Had a slight frost last night Sunday Aug 28. Remained in camp all day. Crossing a large area on the hillside near camp is a clearing of chestnut choked meadow which must comprise many thousands. I set a number of traps for them. Collected a Cornus canadensis berries. ripe Cornus — still have some flowers in shady locations though most of the berries are. ripe Had a slight frost last night

Monday Aug 29 Left about 6.30 and left up on the same side all day. Morning was very foggy but soon cleared all day was fine Tuesday Aug 30 Crossed the river soon after starting and the left was on that side all day. The day was fine. Encamped at night a short distance below Collin. (Duits) River. Wednesday Aug 31. 'Maccan early Start soon. Passed Duits River. The day was very warm and we made closer stops for rest than normal. Camped about 76 miles below Sandring Symphoncarpos s. n. Brunt. Thursday Sept 1.. Started shortly after 8.30 and left up on same side all day. Day mostly clear but with a breeze down over. Arrived at the Landing about 8 o'clock. It was then nearly dark so nothing was done toward unloading. Friday Sept 2. Met with the VRC as having more arrangements there. My cases start this afternoon, left with The Treaty Party about 2 p.m. And cut a far a Whitley, 70 miles from the Landing and Encamped.

Saturday Sept 3 Left Whitelys (Sanky Ann) before 7 o'clock. The Day was rather rainy lunch a mile or two beyond Stoney Creek observed Red & black chermes Vihurn James [illegible] de leaves now Bright Scarlet blackberry Half-way House 9 miles now rope and [illegible] Coral berry Custelliga Alnus alnobola (kum) Alnus incana less often) Black & white Spruce Tamarack White herri & symphonies Camomile, Crocus canad (Cerinus rope) camom Black Stopped for my Catt at Lily Lake Sunday Sept 4 Left Lily Lake early and [illegible] Then no considerable run in the night but it did not rain any in the day and finally cleared Walked from 5 miles of 7 Sturgeon friendly 6 from Edmonton Reached Edm. at 7 pm and put up at the Alberta which has her built & my Catt Stay here

Athabasca Candy T W. Leslie more Fort McMurray Fort Saskatchewan Per Mr. Warwick Fort Smith A Burbank Fort Rio Grande Per Dupire Fort Providence Joseph Hodgson Kay River J. Gmursh I.W. Thompson Christie A.F. Cunnell Tuber Campbell F.W. Mello J. Anderson J. Thules Fort Rae Timothy Heron Per Riser Fort Wagley Timothy Landis Allan Hardisty Fort Norman Christy Harding Per Houssais Fort York Hole O. Brandet Les Gaudet Per Ducret Red River J. B. Campbell Per Curoup

Fnt McPherson Rug Fitzgerald John Galphin Ing Sidney Monroe ch. W.Ja. Harry Walker Fortes Arthuland John Fntk & Sprake Jones School of Art Carmarthen So. Wales England A.J. Bennett 7922 Lowe Ave Chicago. Ill. G.S. Wilgress, B.A. Huntsville . Ont, Canada

Canoes No.1 Slim boat made by the Met Indians usually make to come down the river in the spring or fall and usually used but once, made up to 40 feet long Fort Norman paddled by oars. No.2 Made from bark of white spruce usually for one man about 14 to 16 feet long. Usually used but once to descend a river and then discarded. Fort Norman No.3. Bark canoe one man model used by Indians at Fort Norman 14 to 16 feet

No.4. Model 3 one man Canal used by Horse Indians about Fort Good Hope made 15 or 16 feet long No.5 Launching one man Hunting Canoe, and open for hunting rats made about 15 feet long or sometime 18 feet for 2 men Note Skin Kayak used by Eskimo 14 or 15 feet long. H.McPherson No.7 Skin Canoe Propelled by two oars some that stood by paddler, max 20 or 25 feet long No.8 Family canoe Mack Mackins Good Hope Made about 24 feet long or slightly smaller made in Fort style of Fort Stern. duck one usual style. Good Hope No.9 Family Canoe made at Grand Hope. This is the style used by the Bear Lake Indians Note One man Canoe made by Dogrib. model at Fort Rae. Made about 16 feet long, very light for portaging

Stans at Norman Mink many Martin usually 3000 Pkld. Muskox from from BerLan Foxes Red Cross 200 hundredred about 100 butty Arctic Foxes (white only) from 7th. Other very few Bear. Black fairly common Grizzly bear from Mts Galloway Brown Gr Bear "" black brown) Lynx 4 or 5 only breeding Beaver 700 (both C's) Moose (white) occur in Nits off Mt Goat occur in Nits off but not rare Stans at Good Hope Bear. Grnd Bear summary early fall - general color brown Black overlaid with yellowish brown on back & sides head & face yellowish brown Black bear can. brown or rare Foxes black 1/3rd of red Arct Fox rather common blue very rare Martin cam. 1901-2 stand 7 off. Mink RAT Muskox Bear can smaller toward B.G. Other one or two annually Wolf light coloured. Wolverine Ermine Beara. from toward B.G. sanctuary now dark in certain localities

1904 Ross brook at Wrigley May 14 Kurr broke at Norman May 24 Been Kurr had opened before Good Hope Red Rivers about May 30 Peel River May 13 6 inches snow Norman atly arriag 1 man 7 coarse what fish in one night