THE TRIP UP ROSS RIVER 253 



Mackenzie. His report was published in 1910.* With 

 the report, which discusses topography, drainage, cli- 

 mate, and general geology of the regions, is an excellent 

 map on which names are given to lakes, tributaries and 

 mountains. 



August 19. While flocks of geese were flying south 

 overhead Jefferies started with the rope over his shoulder, 

 dragging the canoe, which contained a load of five hun- 

 dred pounds. I followed and after awhile relieved him. 

 The first six miles we towed through a wide canon of 

 broken water, and after emerging at the head, poled for 

 over three hours and camped in some spruces on the bank. 



For the next three days we ascended without an inci- 

 dent. The river was five feet below high-water mark, 

 and favorable for poling. I poled from the bow, while 

 Jefferies poled from the stern. The river followed a ser- 

 pentine course through a low, rolling country which was 

 very monotonous as compared with either that of the 

 Pelly or of the MacMillan. The current was not swifter 

 than three miles an hour, and we resorted to tracking 

 only through the riffles and some of the longer reaches of 

 broken water. The character of the river is very much 

 like that of the MacMillan, but it lacks the scenery. 

 There are the same wide bars, the same spruces, poplars, 

 willows and alders along the banks; similar areas of 

 burnt country; innumerable curves and numerous cut 

 and scarped banks all reminding me of the MacMillan. 

 The fall colors had just begun to appear, though the nights 

 were quite warm. 



* See Appendix. 



