98 EXPLORATION TO THE PEACE RIVER 



of the region. They consisted chiefly of three Genera, Poa, Bro- 

 mus and Triticum, all three first-class hay and pasture grasses, 

 and I may say that these were the grasses that we found the whole 

 way to Peace River, everywhere forming a splendid sward and 

 were very tall for the species. 



When we reached the Nechaco, we found the country very 

 rich and worth more extended notice than the other parts that 

 we had passed through, but I may just write one incident 

 that took place at the river to show how some people value the 

 things they own. 



We had been at an Indian camp the preceding night and an 

 Indian and I went ahead of the party and reached the Nechaco 

 before they arrived. A thunderstorm came up and, as there was 

 no shelter, I put on my waterproof and sat down on the green, 

 but, to my surprise, the Indian took the saddle off his horse and 

 turned him loose and sat on the saddle and spread what little 

 coat he had over it to try and protect it. He protected his saddle 

 while I tried to protect myself. 



We had now reached the crossing of the Nechaco and the 

 meadows on the right bank of the river were full of meadow plants 

 resembling those of Ontario and there was nothing in the flora to 

 indicate a cold climate except that it was ten or fifteen days be- 

 hind that of Ontario in 1876. The familiar plants in our meadows 

 and fields were everywhere and not a herbaceous plant or shrub 

 reminded one of being more than ten degrees north of Belleville, 

 except the want of our forest trees. 



The 16th of July was occupied in getting our baggage across 

 the Nechaco, a broad and rapid stream two hundred and fifty 

 yards wide, and, late in the evening, we pitched our camp on the 

 left bank. I may mention here that Dr. Selwyn had had a canvas 

 punt made somewhere in the east and with this he intended to 

 cross the various rivers that we might meet in our exploration. 

 This river was the largest we had come to and the boat was put 

 together and found to be quite buoyant, and with it, our baggage 

 and ourselves, were taken across the river without much effort. 

 Our boat was named "Nechaco," and will be spoken of later. 



The land between the Nechaco and Stuart River was of 



