SCENERY OF THE ATHABASCA. 55 



the forest along that river. On the Athabasca, how- 

 ever, the woods presented a marked contrast. Trees 

 of gigantic size were frequent along the banks. There 

 were white spruces, which in this region often reach 

 an altitude of one hundred and fifty feet, and attain a 

 diameter of from three to four feet. The woods were 

 dense and luxuriant, and in many places waved their 

 branches over the waters, affording a grateful shade 

 from the mid-day sun. Our hunters were hospitably 

 entertained at the fort at the junction of the Clear- 

 water with the Athabasca, and here they revelled in 

 unwonted plenty. 



For many a day they had not tasted anything more 

 palatable than deer's flesh scorched over the coals, or 

 the monotonous diet of duck, swan, and goose. Here, 

 however, they feasted to their hearts' content on deli- 

 cious moose venison, the succulent " mouffle " being the 

 most relished part of the animal ; on tender steaks from 

 the wood buffalo ; and on what they valued even more, 

 delicious vegetables from the garden attached to the 

 fort. 



From this land of plenty they were loath to depart ; 

 but at length they tore themselves away, and once more 

 floated down the beautiful river. 



Long reaches, enclosed between high forest -clad 

 banks, extended before them ; the ample bosom of 

 the stream, here some six hundred yards in breadth, 

 being studded with numerous islands, against whose 

 shores the mighty flood breasted with a rushing sound. 



