352 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
23. Friday. Paddled 20 Miles N.E. then came to a French Trad- 
ing House : where were 6 men. The Master invited me to supper, but 
we had no bread until we were done; then He presented me with half 
a biscuit and a dram of French Brandy, and told me that this House 
was subordinate to Basquea and they heard of my passing by last 
Autumn. 
24. Saturday. The Natives received from the Master ten Gallons 
of Brandy half adulterated with water; and when intoxicated they 
traded Cased Cats, Martens, & good parchment Beaver skins, refusing 
Wolves & dressed Beaver. In short he received from the Natives nothing 
but what were prime Winter furs, 
25. Sunday. Rained hard last night; I could not get the Natives 
away to-day; It is surprising to observe what an influence the French 
have over the Natives; I am certain he hath got above 1000 of the 
richest Skins. 
26. Monday. Paddled 47 miles N.E.b.N. the River broad and 
lofty woods. 
27. Tuesday. Paddled 70 miles N.E.: Low banks, Tall woods, 
and deep water. 
28. Wednesday. Thunder & lightning. Paddled 24 miles E.N.E. 
then came to a Creek where we angled plenty of Fish which were ac- 
ceptable. 
29. Thursday. Paddled 60 miles, then came to a French House 
1 passed last Autumn ;? there were a Master & 9 men. On our arrival 
they gave the Natives 10 Gallons of Brandy adulterated, and they are 
now drunk. The Master * invited me in to sup with him, and was very 
kind: He is dressed very Genteel, but the men wear nothing but thin 
drawers, & striped cotton shirts ruffled at the hands & breast. This 
House has been long a place of Trade belonging to the French, & named 
Basquea. It is 26 feet long; 12 feet wide; 9 feet high to the ridge; 
having a sloping roof; the Walls Log on Log; the top covered with 
Birch-rind, fastened together with Willows, & divided into three apart- 
ments: One for Trading goods, one for Furs, and the third they dwell 
in. 
30. Friday. The Indians drank so much I could not get them 
away; nor was I capable to prevent them from trading their prime furs. 
I breakfasted with the French Master, and he showed ine the stock of 
Furs Viz: A brave parcel of Cased Cats, Martens, and parchment 
Beaver. Their Birch-rind Canoes will carry as much as an India Ships 
1 Fort La Corne. 
Fort Poskoyac, or Pasquia. 
5 Presumably Saint-Luc de la Corne. 
