THE PELLY RIVER 187 



of fantastic shape. Numerous fine groves of tall spruces 

 are scattered along its banks; tall poplars, growing on 

 smooth, hard ground, continually fringe its shores. 



The valley, varying from three to ten miles in width, 

 is terraced on both sides, the land rising in a succession of 

 high benches clothed with aspens and scattered spruces, 

 and brightened by openings carpeted with green grass, 

 which give it a happy aspect. Lofty mountain ranges, 

 whose axes parallel the main course of the Pelly, extend 

 far beyond the Ross River, and include the Glenlyons, 

 which almost overhang the right bank of the Pelly. 



July 1 8. We steamed up this magnificent river while 

 the days were clear and the sun was hot. No obstacles 

 impeded the progress of the skilfully managed boat, which 

 climbed over every riffle and kept strictly to the main 

 channel, only stopping for the purpose of cutting a wood 

 supply or tying to the bank during the dark twilight be- 

 tween midnight and two in the morning. 



July 19. Before me was the map made by Dr. Daw- 

 son, a map so accurate that as we progressed I could 

 locate not only every island, but every grove of spruce 

 trees. His description of the country proved to be so cor- 

 rect that I must again call attention to the accuracy of 

 his report a high tribute to that eminent man in whose 

 death Canada suffered a loss not easily repaired. After 

 passing the Glenlyons, we were close to the mountains 

 of the Tay River on the left, until those of the Pelly 

 range loomed up in the distance. 



Bird life at that season was as scarce as usual, and 

 only a few moose tracks were seen on the bars. The 



