1827, JULY. FORT GARRY. 279 



visited by some Indians, of whom I purchased some birch bark for my 

 specimens, serving instead of pasteboard. 



Wednesday, llth. At six in the morning I embarked, the wind which 

 blew violently during the night having moderated. Proceeded with the 

 canoe through the low overflowed woody points of the lake, finding my 

 way among some large species of Arundo, Scirpus, Typha, and Carex. 

 At ten came to a low projecting point, which I was unable to double 

 without the risk of wetting my papers, and rather than do so I put to shore, 

 made myself some breakfast, overhauled the new-laid-in plants, exposed 

 others to the sun, and took a short turn in the woods. Unable to paddle 

 any further myself, yesterday's labour having put both my hands in sheets 

 of blisters. At half-past two the wind moderated and I rounded the 

 point and inclined my course a little more to the west again, among the 

 brushwood and grass, which greatly shields off the wind. Aquatic birds 

 appear to be rare : have now been two days afloat and only seen a few 

 ducks. About 6 P.M. entered Red River, five or seven miles above the 

 entrance of the lake, having as I stated before cut the overflowed points. 

 The stream is considerable, 250 to 300 yards broad, deep and muddy ; 

 banks, low ; deep-black alluvial earth ; thinly wooded. A few trees of 

 Alnus, Platanus, Quercus alba, and Acer along the banks. Laid in 

 some fine strong Gramineae, Utricularia, Polygonum, and Asclepias. 

 Evening close and cloudy. Much annoyed during the forepart of the 

 night by mosquitoes. 



Thursday, 12th. Morning cool, with a heavy dew ; started at 3 A.M. 

 up the river. At sunrise passed several thinly planted low houses, with 

 small herds of cattle wandering from the folds ; humble and peasant- 

 like as these may appear to many, to me who have been no sharer of 

 civilised society for a considerable time past they impart a pleasant 

 sensation. At seven took breakfast two miles below the rapid, where I 

 left the canoe and my luggage to go by land, taking with me my boards and 

 paper. Strangers in this quarter appear to be few : scarcely a house 

 I passed without an invitation to enter, more particularly from the 

 Scottish settlers, who no doubt judging from my coat (being clothed in 

 the Stewart or royal tartan) imagined me a son from the bleak dreary 

 mountains of Scotland, and I had many questions put to me regarding the 

 country, which now they only see through ideal recollection. Appear to 

 live comfortable and have the means of subsistence by little exertion. 

 Walked along the right or north bank of the river : about two o'clock 

 passed the Church Missionary establishment and heard the bell ring for the 

 boys to assemble to school ; found two at play, one about four years, the 

 other six years of age. I inquired if they were scholars and had answer, 

 ' Yes, sir. 5 ' What book do you read at school ? ' The elder, who was the 

 spokesman, said ' I read the parables, and he (pointing to the younger) 

 reads " Tom Bowles." ' This all pleasing, I presented them with a few 

 trifling articles, when as soon as they manifested their thanks by a low bow 

 they galloped off to their companions, who flocked round them to hear 

 their story. About a mile further on passed a large windmill from which 

 Fort Garry appeared, situated at the junction of Assiniboine River with the 



