14 ACROSS THE SUB- ARCTICS OF CANADA. 



valley of the South Branch of the Saskatchewan River, 

 and just within view of the snow-clad peaks of the 

 Rocky Mountains. From Calgary our way lay toward 

 the north, via the Edmonton Branch of the C. P. R., 

 and after a stay of only a few hours we were again 

 hurrying onward. On the evening of the same day, in 

 a teeming rain, we reached Edmonton, the northern 

 terminus of the railway. 



Edmonton is a town situated on both banks of the 

 North Branch of the Saskatchewan, and at this time 

 was in a " booming " condition, particularly upon the 

 southern bank. Many large business houses were being 

 erected, and property was selling at stiff prices. Ed- 

 monton is chiefly noted for its lignite mines, which are 

 worked to a considerable extent, and produce coal of very 

 fair quality. The seams are practically of unlimited 

 extent, and are easily accessible in many places along 

 the river banks. Gold is also washed from the sands in 

 paying quantities, while the town is surrounded by a fair 

 agricultural and grazing country. Petroleum, too, has 

 been discovered in the vicinity, and indications are that 

 in the near future Edmonton will be a flourishing city. 



The older part of the town is situated on the north 

 side of the river, and communication is maintained 

 by means of an old-fashioned ferry, operated by cables 

 and windlass. As the Hudson's Bay Company's stores 

 and offices from which our supplies were to be forwarded 

 are situated on the north side, we crossed over on the 

 ferry, and engaged rooms at the Jasper House. Upon 

 enquiry we were gratified to find that the supplies and 

 men, excepting the two who were to meet us later, had 

 all arrived in safety. Our provisions, which were to be 



