20 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA. 



distance, at the Grand Eapid, by means of a tramway 

 built for the purpose. 



As we had previously ascertained, the steamer Atha- 

 basca was due to leave the Landing on her down-stream 

 trip on or about the 1st of June, so, taking advantage 

 of the opportunity, we shipped the bulk of our stuff to 

 Fort Chippewyan, situated about three hundred and 

 fifty miles down the river on Lake Athabasca. Every- 

 thing excepting the canoes and provisions sufficient to 

 take us to Chippewyan was loaded upon the steamer. 

 Letters were written and sent back to Edmonton by the 

 drivers, and on the evening of the last day of May we 

 launched our handsome " Peterboroughs " in the great 

 stream, and commenced our long canoe voyage. 



The arrangement of the party was as follows: My 

 brother occupied a central position in one canoe, and I 

 a corresponding place in the other. As steersman he 

 chose the eldest of the Iroquois, Pierre, with Michel 

 as bowman. The remaining Iroquois, Louis, took the 

 steering paddle of my canoe, and John, the western 

 man, occupied the bow. Thus were our little crafts 

 manned, each person, including my brother and myself, 

 being provided with a broad maple paddle. Our loads 

 being light, we were in good speeding condition. Just 

 after launching we met some native Indians in their 

 bark canoes, and by way of amusement and exhibition 

 of speed paddled completely around them in the current, 

 much to their amazement. Then with farewell salute, 

 and the stroke of our paddles timed to the song of the 

 canoemen, we glided swiftly down the stream. 



As the start had been made late in the afternoon, not 

 many miles were passed before it became necessary ta 



