igoi] Macrajs — Notes in the Peace River. 229 



will, of course, understand that errors in count may have occurred, 

 few Indians counting reliably, but I think that it is quite safe to- 

 say that about the number stated are lett. Some eight or nine 

 were killed last winter, but as I tried and punished those who 

 killed them it is thought in the country, and is hoped by me, that 

 no more depredations will occur. I understand that there has 

 been an increase, since the animals were protected, of perhaps a 

 couple of hundred, and it would appear to be only necessary to 

 continue vigorous protective measures in order to perpetuate the 

 herd. It is noticeable that the fur of the Wood Buffalo, owing no 

 doubt to climatic conditions, is longer and thicker than was that 

 of its brother of the plains, and it has that straightness and thick- 

 ness which characterizes that of the Musk Ox. 



I was informed that it was never safe to count upon Great 

 Slave Lake being open before July 1st. 



On 23rd July we had exceedingly hot weather, but the nights 

 continued pleasant and cool. 



Four tribes of Indians, representatives of which had never 

 before entered into treaty relations with the Crown, were dealt 

 with, namely, the Slave or Slavey Indians of Hay River, the Dog- 

 ribs, the Yellowknives. and the Cariboo Eaters. The habitat of 

 the Dogribs is to the north and south of the central portion of 

 Great Slave Lake ; the Yellowknives come from Fond du Lac or 

 Great Slave Lake near old Fort Reliance ; the Slaves inhabit the 

 Hay River basin, and the Cariboo Eaters, the country east of 

 Slave River. 



On September 6th we experienced frost, and on September 

 13th had a very cold storm of rain and sleet with some frost. The 

 leaves along the Athabasca had changed colour and were falling 

 from September 3rd. 



I do not understand the naming of the Great Slave Ri\;er. It 

 is in fact identical with Peace River ; yet, after the waters from 

 Lake Athabasca enter it, making no appreciable difference in its 

 size or course, its name changes to the Great Slave. Locally it 

 seems to be as often called the "Peace" as it is the "Great Slave." 



With my report in the blue book of the Department of Indian. 

 Affairs will be published a map that may interest you showing 



