xvi PREFACE 



travels through, and, in this instance I owed 

 much to the good services of the Saskatchewan 

 Provincial Government, who loyally supported 

 the expedition at the start ; to the Hudson Bay 

 Company, whose factors were ever ready to 

 assist and advise me in every way they could ; 

 and lastly, though I say it of people who cannot 

 read and know my appreciation, to the Cree and 

 Chipewyan Indians, who proved quaintly friendly 

 and unselfish in their hospitality, and resourceful, 

 magnificent fellow-travellers on the trail on the 

 few occasions that I came among them, and 

 when one or more aided me when trailing by 

 dog-train over ice and snow. To all I owe the 

 thanks and gratitude of a traveller safely re- 

 turned from a hazardous quest who enjoys 

 pleasant reminiscences of the weather-beaten, 

 kindly faces of worthy outdoor people, and still 

 recalls their strong handshake of genuine com- 

 radeship that on many a hard trail welcomed me 

 in, or pointed the way forth with well-wishing. 



