[Garry ] DIARY OF NICHOLAS GARRY 151 
dangerous Part, his Pole broke. Two Seconds would have dashed us 
over the Rocks into the deep Rapid, when the most of us, if not All, must 
have perished. With an admirable Presence of Mind, he took another 
Pole and in a Second guided us through the Channel. The Seconds 
may appear poetical, but it is an unvarnished Tale. Two Seconds would 
have carried us into Eternity. How singularly the Mind of Man is 
framed, how unnerved at one Moment, the next showing Heroism and 
Presence of Mind, and never has there been a greater proof of this, than 
in our Guide, at this perilous Moment, and when he gave up the Steer- 
ing. At five o’clock we arrived at the Rock Depot, found Mr. Thomas 
Bunn! in Charge. This Fort is beautifully situated, on the East Side 
of the Hill River, which is here, about 300 Paces broad. Dwelling 
House, large Hall, Warehouses, all in excellent Order. Behind the 
House is a very excellent Garden, Cabbages and Potatoes; small Trout 
Stream, with Cane Work to catch the Fish. Suckers,? the Heads only, 
good Eating, Trout, Pike, &c. Mr. Bunn appears to be a most excellent 
amiable Man, married to an Indian Woman, by whom he has a large 
Family; the first Couple Mr. West married. He is desirous to retire to 
the Red River and delighted with the Assurance I was authorized to give 
Him of a retired Share. Has been 25 Years in the Service. In Winter 
he traps Rabbits and Beaver. Ina Lake 20 Miles distant he caught last 
Winter so much Fish that he supplied 150 Canadians. 
‘This Post will now be given up and the Goods sent direct from 
York. (The whole Country may now be supplied with Boats except the 
Columbia, Athapascan and Mackenzie’s River and Peace River between 
Athapascan Lake and Rocky Mountains). Near the Depôt is a high 
Mountain from which the River takes its Name (Hill River). Beautiful 
view particularly up the winding Trout Stream. 
Wednesday the 22nd [August]. At a quarter to four left Rock 
Depot. In half an hour arrived at the Portage of the Rock. 
The Banks may be 150 to 200 feet, Sand Hills covered with low 
Pine. Our Men are now eating Rababoo made of Pemican and Flour. 
Strong Current but low Water. High Sand Hills. At half past landed 
to Dinner; excellent White Fish, At 3 the Forks of the Steel River? 
a large Stream which runs into the Hill River. Passed two small Depôts 
now out of Use. Saw a Rein Deer and Fawn crossing the River. In 
the Season some cross the River and are actually killed merely for their 
Tongues. It is singular that they emigrate from the North in Summer 

1 He was here in 1819 when Franklin passed (as above, p. 32). 
2? Piccanan, Catastomus lesueuri. 
3 Formed by the junction of the Fox and the Hill Rivers. 
