156 U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM BULLETIN 217 



Within a few days we engaged Robert Bruce to guide and help us 

 in hunting and he proved to be a strong and clever hunter and a pleas- 

 ant companion. His decision to work with us required some study, 

 for he had planned to leave with his family for the spring period of 

 hunting muskrats on Crow Flats. He did not enjoy the prospect of 

 separation from his wife and children and the busy life in the musk- 

 rat-hunting camp which all the people so much enjoy. Within a few 

 weeks every family in the village had left for their camps except a 

 few who were too aged or ill, and in spite of his cheerful nature Bruce 

 was often unhappy for his absent family. Edith Josie who helped 

 us at skinning birds was usually smiling or laughing and soon acquired 

 skill in the preparation of skins. 



Leonard Peyton took over the arduous care of our collection of 

 specimens so that I might be more free for hunting and observing. 

 Usually I went with Robert Bruce, but Peyton also seized many occa- 

 sions for hunting. His careful preparation of our supplies and equip- 

 ment, diligent administration of their use, and attention to the col- 

 lections and records were a basis for the success of our expedition. 



During April the weather was generally cold, with prevalent north- 

 easterly winds. On the river the snow was firm enough for travel 

 on skis or snowshoes or with dogs and toboggan. Where the trails led 

 through woods and up hills the slewing of the toboggans on the curves 

 made the snow rough for travel. Occasional westerly winds brought 

 warm chinook weather and melting conditions. 



In May the sun was warmer and melting periods became more fre- 

 quent. We were able to travel by dog team on the river until May 6, 

 when we met elderly Paul Joseph returning from Fort MacPherson 

 as weary as his dogs. Thereafter the overflow on the river increased, 

 although until May 16 we could still cross by wading through the 

 overflow, or during a temporary freeze. Then the ice began to erode 

 rapidly, and after showers in the night of May 22 the water began 

 to rise, lifting the ice from its attachment to the shores, and the floes 

 began to move steadily during the day. During the next few days 

 the water rose about 15 feet, nearly to the top of the cut banks, and 

 the ice floes varied in concentration as they came in from various tribu- 

 taries. In June some days were hot and mosquitos too common, but 

 manageable by the use of spray and repellent. Brooks and swamps 

 filled, making it difficult to walk. 



On May 10, Francis Williamson joined us for a month collecting 

 manmials. His keenness in recognizing birds by their calls enabled 

 him greatly to extend our information. On May 28 Sidney Peyton, 

 Leonard's father and an experienced collector of birds' eggs, and Webb 

 McElvey joined us. The latter was a taxidermist collecting for W. J. 

 Sheffler of Los Angeles, whose specimens we were very kindly per- 



