Path-making in the Wilderness. 123 



rocky summits, moose and bear in the river valleys, and rein- 

 deer or barren-grounds caribou on the pla.teau above timber 

 line. Several of the latter Avere killed by members of our party, 

 and our supply of provisions was also helped out by the dried 

 meat which we obtained from the natives. On the Kluantu 

 was found a second party of Indians, most of whom had never 

 before seen a white man. Obtaining a number of rafts from 

 these natives we descended the river about fourteen miles to its 

 confluence with the Donjek, since both the Kluantu and Donjek 

 were too deep and rapid to ford. The Klutlan was alsO found 

 to be unfordable, and we were compelled to go around its head 

 and cross upon the glacier from which it flows. Although this 

 was not attended by any special danger it caused great dismay 

 among the Indians, who regard a glacier with superstitious 

 terror. 



. About twelve miles beyond Klutlan glacier we reached a small 

 stream called the Klet-san-clek, or Copper creek, coming from a 

 narrow gorge in the mountains. This is where the Yukon In- 

 dians have been accustomed to come for supplies of native copper. 

 It was as far as any of our packers had ever been from home and 

 they knew of the country beyond only by report. They refused 

 to go with us further, assuring us that it was quite impossible to 

 get through the mountains at that season since the pass was 

 only traveled by Indians in the winter on snow-shoes. BoAvker 

 had already come further than he originally intended, so that he 

 turned back with the Indians. ItAvas something over two hun- 

 dred miles back to Selkirk, and although through an unknoAvn 

 country a considerably shorter distance to an Indian village on 

 the other side of the mountains. Trusting in our al)ility to reach 

 the latter inside of tAvo Aveeks, a period for AA'hich Ave had provis- 

 ions, Ave decided to push forAvard. Discarding e\'erything not 

 absolutely essential our packs still amounted to sevent3r-five or 

 eighty pounds apiece, so that progress Avas necessarily sIoav. The 

 Aveather since leaving the coast in May had been very Avarm, Avith 

 little rain except local thunder shoAvers, but from this time until 

 we again reached the coast rain Avas falling most of the time. As 

 Ave had no tent, this added greatly to our discomfort. 



Leaving the Kletsan, our party noAv reduced to three, Ave con- 

 tinued toAvard the north Avest through the densely wooded valley, 

 Avith the White river on our right and the steep mountain face 

 on the left. At the end of the third day Ave came out upon 



