[GARRY] DIARY OF NICHOLAS GARRY 191 
opinion 45 to 50 Days or perhaps less and with Canoes from 32 to 36. Upon 
an average of several Years which I have passed [on?] the Nelson River I 
am of opinion that it should not be attempted to descend to York Fort earlier 
than by leaving Split Lake from the 20th to the 25th June when the Banks. 
of the River will be clear of Ice. In Regard to Provisions there may be some 
Objections to following this Route but this can be the only Objection, for 
it is well known that the Nelson and Churchill River’s Posts do 
not at all Times procure Provisions for their own People. Consequently 
Depots of Provisions must be brought from Cumberland House and placed 
at Split Lake, Burntwood Portage or Nelson House and the Frog Portage 
whereas in the present Route which is followed the Supplies are already in 
the Way and it will require considerable Expense to convey the Provisions 
from Cumberland or Norway House to the Nelson River Route. 
On approaching the Sea at the Mouth of the Nelson iuver the Banks are 
very high and the Water shoal, and where the Banks might be the su.eans of 
Shelter and Safety from bad Weather there is no Water for Craft of any 
Size and even lower down towards the Sea allowing there was even Depth 
of Water sufficient it is so much exposed as to render it very hazardous as a 
Roadstead for a Vessel. For Canoes and Boats when loaded the Point of 
Marsh is frequently the Cause of great Delay. From this Point a Bank runs 
out nearly three Miles and it is seldom smooth enough for Vessels to pass 
. over when the Wind comes from the Sea and there is no possibility of Land- 
ing if overtaken by a Storm. 
