280 TRANS. OP THE ACAD. OF SCIENCE. 



distant in a direct line. A series of lower peaks on the east 

 connects with the culminating point by a sharp ridge, gashed 

 by perpendicular chasms. A sheer precipice, partly hid from 

 view by intervening mountains, forms the northern lace, while 

 on the west it connects with the main range by an irregular 

 crest, forming a jagged descending ridge. With these unfa- 

 vorable prospects for making the ascent of the main peak, we 

 decided to vary from the route heretofore taken, which fol- 

 lowed up a more gradual eastern slope to the lower range of 

 peaks, and our course was directed toward the low ragged 

 ridges lying on the western slope, in hopes that some of these 

 might afford a foothold to scale the highest tabled summit; 

 at least, we could reach its very base, and get a fairer esti- 

 mate of its actual height above us than from a distant view. 



To reach the timber line with pack animals and establish 

 a near camp, from which our examination could be made of 

 the main steep ridge, mnde up the first day's journey. We 

 left the main valley of Thompson Creek, which bears more 

 directly west, and, crossing two considerable divides, came 

 on a small mountain stream leading direct towards the main 

 peak. To follow this up through the obstructions of fallen tim- 

 ber, avoiding precipitous rocks, or working our way through 

 tangled mazes of wooded thickets, recpiired no small outlay 

 of persistent and laborious effort. Catching occasional 

 glimpses, through the open timber growth, of the high peak, 

 whose near view showed its distinct outline, was encourag- 

 ing ; pausing meanwhile to gather the luscious berries of the 

 mountain whortleberry, or to take a refreshing drink from 

 the clear mossy brook that flowed in our direct course, we 

 finally reached that sharp line where timber growth ceases, 

 and established our camp at its upper edge. At this point 

 we found needful shelter and firewood for ourselves, and a 

 patch of alpine grass for our animals. A series of barometric 

 observations shows here an elevation of 10,8u0 feet above the 

 sea, with which to commence our climbing on the succeed- 

 ing day. 



Such elevations are not often attained in this country, at 

 least for camping purposes, and the interval between daylight 

 and dark was variously employed in investigating its pecu- 

 liarities. Some of the more adventurous and eager ones 

 made their way up the bare slope of rocks to the base of the 

 main peak, to return at dusk with a discouraging account of 

 its inaccessible character; others found amusement in noting 

 the peculiarities of vegetation on this exposed locality, where, 

 within a short distance, trees dwindle down to shrubs, or 

 bend their matted foliage so as to make up in horizontal ex- 

 tension for the lack of height. There were rare alpine plants, 

 growing in exposed places, and various mosses and lichens 

 helped to add an Arctic character to the bald scenery. 



The evening was devoted to a discussion of routes and 



