172 REPORT — 1860. 



pass from the head of the north branch of the Saskatchewan, direct! y to the Columbia 

 River, in the vicinity of the boat encampment. 



Leaving this latter pass out of consideration for the present, as all of the others 

 open to the Kootanie River, it becomes necessary to consider the course by whch it 

 may be practicable to reach the coast of the Pacific without crossing to the south or 

 American side of the boundary line. It was with great difficulty for this purpose 

 even a partial examination of the country could be effected, owing to the rugged 

 valleys which intersect it in a direction parallel to the mountains, and which, though 

 not formidable themselves, are covered with such dense forest as to present obstacles 

 to the traveller. Notwithstanding these difficulties, Mr. Sullivan succeeded in making 

 his wav on the north side of the boundary line, and at the same time following a 

 system of transverse valleys, which might allow of the construction of a road with- 

 out much trouble from the mouth of Kananaskis Pass to the Columbia, above Fort 

 Colvile. From this point westward I myself ascertained that it would be possible 

 to reach the valley of the Okanagan, by which I believe the Americans have already 

 commenced to connect the waggon road of the Columbia with the upper country of 

 the Frazer River. While pointing out the circumstances that seem to favour the 

 possibility of carrving a road through British territory, from the Saskatchewan to 

 the Pacific, I wish to refrain from expressing any opinion as to the expediency of 

 undertaking at the present time a work which would involve a vast amount of labour 

 and a corresponding heavy expenditure. For how long a time in the year such a 

 road would remain open, is a question as yet unanswered, and which has a most 

 important bearing on the subject. In addition, the difficulty of direct communication 

 between Canada and the Saskatchewan country, as compared with the comparatively 

 easy route through the United States by St. Paul's, renders it very unlikely that the 

 great work of constructing a road across the continent can be solely the result of 

 British enterprise. 



Not the least important results of the expedition are the meteorological observa- 

 tions,which have been carefully conducted during the whole period of the explorations, 

 both in the winters and summers, whether we were stationary or travelling. I lay 

 stress upon this fact, as it affords materials for ascertaining the exact nature of the 

 climate, and means for a correct comparison between its nature and that of Canada. 



The hourly magnetic observations were conducted by Lieutenant Blakiston, R A., 

 assisted by the other members of the expedition, during the winter of 1857-58. 

 These were not, however, carried on during the winter 1858-59, owing to the return 

 of Lieutenant Blakiston with the instruments; the magnetic declinations however were 

 attended to. 



The astronomical observations and computations were placed in the hands of Mr. 

 Sullivan, and the geographical position of the several salient points of the map are 

 determined principally by his lunars, the rates cf chronometers being, of course, too 

 unsteady to be depended on while travelling through so rough a country. 



The large botanical collection of our botanist, M. Bourgeau, has already been sent 

 to Kew Gardens, where the specimens have been carefully arranged by himself under 

 the inspection of Dr. Hooker, who highly values them. 



Dr. Hector's specimens of fossils, &c. were from time to time transmitted to Sir 

 Roderick Murchison at the Jermyn Street Museum, but from the nature of the subject 

 much time must elapse before the results can be laid before Her Majesty's Government. 



In conclusion, I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the unceasing zeal and 

 energy of my companions, whose valuable assistance has been instrumental in bringing 

 the expedition to so successful a termination. 



Addendum 1. — Remarks concerning the Climate of the Saskatchetca?i 

 District. By Dr. Hector. 



The winter temperature is about 21° Fahr., ranging, however, in regular succes- 

 sions from high to low temperatures. In January 1858 it was as high as 40° above 

 zero for a few hours, accompanied by rain and high wind *. In that instance, how- 

 ever, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. it fell from +37° to — 13, a difference of 50° in five 

 hours. The greatest depression of the thermometer in both years was about the 1 2th 



* January 3rd, 1858, at Fort Edmonton. 



