64 THE GREAT NORTH-WEST 



or the store-houses, which seem huddled together in 

 designed confusion. The country around, however, is 

 exceedingly attractive. Looking north and west the eye 

 wanders over a great stretch of level ground, giving the 

 first indication of those vast prairies which we are now 

 approaching ; but the ground here is covered with small 

 trees, among which willows hold a chief place. The view 

 is bounded by hills which, seen from here, appear 

 picturesque and of considerable elevation. The grass 

 was beautifully green and fresh, and reminded me more 

 of our dear English meadows than any I had hitherto 

 seen hi Canada. I noticed many small birds about the 

 trees and under the bushes ; but I had no time to go 

 after them. I have reason to think that they were of 

 the same species as those met with on the voyage up to 

 Red River, and which will be described presently. 



Looking eastward and to the south the view was over 

 the lake, an interminable expanse of glittering water of 

 a deep blue colour, especially in the distance, quite a 

 different tint from that of the salt ocean. A great num- 

 ber of craggy islets rendered the scenery in this direction 

 as picturesque in its way as the view landward. Seagulls 

 (or lake gulls) were hovering everywhere over the waters, 

 and pitching on the rocks ; and there was a sufficient 

 number of fishing boats, and other craft, to give one the 

 idea of being at a minor port. The great number of 

 large canoes, however, could not fail to strike the eye of 

 a stranger, and convince him at a glance that he was in 

 a strange country. 



Fort William is a depot for canoes; and they may be 

 purchased here. The canoes used on the lake are larger, 

 and of a different construction, to the light river canoes 

 of the Indians and trappers. They are called canotes de 

 maitre, are paddled by a dozen or fourteen men, and will 

 carry a ton of cargo in addition to the crew. But they 

 are too large and heavy for the internal river navigation ; 

 and the rule is, when the Company's servants arrive here 



