From the Pacific to Hudson's Bay. 297 



Tshimsian. ^ 





name, about eighty miles north of the Forks, also speak the Tshimsian 

 language ; but these and those of the upper part of the Skeena 

 approximate in their manner of speech to the Nascar Indians of th e 

 Nasse. The Nascars have permanent villages about twenty-five 

 miles above tide-water on the Nasse, and claim the country for 

 about fifty miles still further up. The division between all the 

 branches of the Tshimsians and the Tinneh or Carrier people appears 

 to be quite distinct. 



The Indian population of this region is estimated as follows : — 



On the Skeena : 



Kitsumgalum 25 



Kitsalas, uncertain, owing to the number of 

 people away at the coast and elsewhere, 



yet calling this place their home, about 300 



Kitseguecla 150 



Skeena Forks 250 



Kulddr, above the Forks 150 



Kispayox ^ 350 



Kit-ka-gas, three miles up the Babine River 



from its mouth 400 



^Kit-wun-kool, between the Skeena and the Nasse 250 



Tinneh Ahwilgate and Kyahwilgate on the Watsonkwa . 200 



2,075 



These estimates are no doubt about correct, and are based upon 

 the reports of Prof. Dawson, Mr. Hawkin and others. 



From the Forks eastward to the summit of Pine River Pass there 

 are many routes which the traveller may take ; and it is impossible 

 to state, until further exploratory surveys are made, which is most 

 suitable for a railway line. It is sufficient to say that there is a 

 choice of some three or four, any of which offer good facilities for 

 railway construction. Owing to the fact that the Skeena River above 

 the Forks is very rapid, and the Babine River which flows into it 

 quite impassable in the canons for canoes, and making besides a long 

 detour to the north, we will leave the Skeena at the Forks for the 

 north end of Babine Lake. The distance is about forty miles in a 

 straight line ; by the trail nearly fifty; and the direction almost due 

 east. 



