68 Thirty Years 



situated near the forts, on which, the Indians formerly- 

 assembled annually to amuse themselves at the game 

 of the Cross. It is justly celebrated for abundance of 

 the finest tittameg, which weigh from five to fifteen 

 pounds. The residents live principally upon this most 

 delicious fish, which fortunately can be eaten a long 

 time without producing any disrelish. They are plen- 

 tifully caught with nets throughout the year, except 

 for two or three months. 



March 4. — We witnessed the Aurora Borealis very 

 brilliant, for the second time since our departure from 

 Cumberland. A winter encampment is not a favor- 

 able situation for viewing this phenomenon, as the 

 trees in general hide the sky. Arrangements had been 

 made for recommencing our journey to-day, but the 

 wind was stormy, and the snow had drifted too much 

 for traveling with comfort; we therefore stayed and 

 dined with Mr. Bethune, who promised to render every 

 assistance in getting pemmican conveyed to us from 

 the Saskatchawan, to be in readiness for our canoes 

 when they might arrive in the spring ; Mr. Clark has 

 also engaged to procure six bags for us, and to furnish 

 our canoes with any oilier supplies which may be 

 wanted, and can be spared from his post, and to con- 

 tribute his aid in forwarding the pemmican to the 

 Athabasca, if our canoes cannot carry it all. 



I feel greatly indebted to Mr. Clark, for much val- 



