56 Thirty Years 



« 



banks of the river are very scantily supplied with 

 wood through the part we passed to-day. A long 

 track on the south shore, called Holms Plains, is des- 

 titute of anything like a tree, and the opposite bank 

 has only stunted willows ; but after walking sixteen 

 miles, we came* to a spot better wooded, and encamp- 

 ed opposite to a remarkable place, called by the voya- 

 gers " The Neck of Land." ■ 



On the thirtieth we directed our course round The 

 Neck of Land, which is well clothed with pines and 

 firs ; though the opposite or western bank is nearly 

 destitute of wood. This contrast between the two 

 banks continued until we reached the commencement 

 of what our companions called the barren grounds, 

 when both the banks were alike bare. Vast plains 

 extend behind the southern bank, which afford excel- 

 lent pasturage for the buffalo, or other grazing animals. 

 In the evening we saw a herd of the former, but could 

 not <iet near to them. After walking fifteen miles we 

 encamped. The men's provision having been entirely 

 expended last night, we shared our small stock with 

 them. The poor dogs had been toiling some days on 

 the most scanty fare ; their rapacity, in consequence, 

 was unbounded ; they forced open a deal box, contain- 

 ing tea, mall piece <rf meat which had 

 been incautiously placed in it. 



As soon as daylight permitted, the party commenc- 



