{carry ] DIARY OF NICHOLAS GARRY 195 
APPENDIX [F]. 
YORK FORT. 
York Fort is situated on a Point of alluvial Land which separates the 
Mouths of the Nelson and Hayes River. Throughout the whole of Hayes 
River the Country has an uniform, low, flat and swampy Appearance. The 
Soil consists of decayed Moss immediately under which there is a thick Bed 
of tenacious bluish Clay, containing imbedded rolled Stones. The Stream 
continually encroaching upon some Points and depositing its Spoils in others 
renders the Banks alternately steep and shelving. The Plains above are 
covered with stunted Larches—Poplars, Alders and Willows. Hayes River 
is formed by the Junction of the Shammattwa and Steel Rivers and the 
latter River is likewise produced by the Union of the Fox River, which runs 
from Split Lake, and Hill River. During the Ascent of Steel River the 
Banks gradually increase in Height and in the lower Part of the Hill River 
they exceed 300 feet. These high clayey Banks are broken into conical Hills 
by the deep Ravines which open into the River. 
Beaver Lake is distant from Cumberland House about 40 Miles to the 
Northward, Carlton House about 240 to the West and Edmonton about 300 
from Carlton. Both Houses on the Saskatchewan. 
APPENDIX [G]. 
INDIANS. 
Among the Northern Indians or Chipewyans Pictures of any kind are in 
great Estimation for they generally consider them as Charms and frequently 
request them from us in the Fall of the Year to ensure Success during the 
Winter. However silly and erroneous this Idea may be it often makes them 
exert themselves more than they otherwise would, as they imagine while in 
Possession of a large Picture Misfortune is completely shut from their Tents 
and the Manito or God of Animals is not so apt to be out of Humor with 
them. The Beaver is easier taken in his Lodge—the Moose easier approached 
in calm Weather and the Martins enter the Traps without Hesitation. With 
the Picture a small Piece of Tobacco is generally wrapped up and on all 
Occasions of Feasting and Ceremony this Tobacco is made use of by the Men 
who smell it, but the Females are not allowed to hanale this Treasure, which 
would be considered a Profanation. Pictures of about 12 to 18 Inches to cost 
from 6d to 2 shillings would be of much Service, with a few better than the 
common for the more deserving Hunters. Any bold Representation of the 
Animals of this Country, an Indian approaching a Moose from behind a Bush, 
others in the Act of drawing the Beaver from the Vault and small Land- 
scapes with Animals, Beaver House, &c. In short any kind of Pictures to 
them would be very acceptable and would pay well. 
Copper Shields or of Tin with Paintings of a frightful Animal, red Color, 
will please the Plain Indians. 
