30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SAINT LOUIS MEETING 



the paleontologists of the Geological Survey of Canada, Drysdale and his 

 party approached the Kootenay Eiver from the eastward and near the 

 point at which it is joined by Cross River. Throughout this portion of 

 its course the Kootenay River flows swiftly and is about 225 feet wide. 

 Having spent the preceding day in a vain search for a possible fording 

 place, it was decided to swim the horses and build a raft to transport the 

 outfit across the river. The place selected for crossing the river lies about 

 three miles above Cross River, where, near its eastern bank, a small island 

 is situated that could be reached by fording. Opposite to this island and 

 for about 400 yards along the western bank of the river, landings cojild 

 readily be made, but just beloAv this, at a curve in the river, the bank 

 rises as a steep cliff, against and beneath which the water swirls with 

 much force. 



A staunch raft, 16 feet by 8 feet, was constructed of logs selected from 

 a log jam on the northern side of the island. With the impetus of a 

 strong shove from some of the party on the island, the raft with its first 

 load was paddled across by Doctor Drysdale and his packer, Mr. George 

 M. Smith, and a landing was made about 300 yards above the cliff. Mr. 

 Burling then crossed on one of the horses and assisted in towing the raft 

 upstream, so that on the return j^assage it would readily make the island. 

 As ^'chiet" of the party. Doctor Drysdale insisted on accompanying Smith 

 in taking the raft back to the island for the remainder of the outfit. 

 Having reached the island, the raft was again loaded. The horses then 

 swam safely across with Emmons, the cook of the party, on the one that 

 was leading. Finally, the loaded raft, leaving the island without an 

 initial shove, but propelled in this instance by three paddles plied by 

 Doctor Drysdale and Messrs. Gray and Smith, was rapidly carried down- 

 stream, struck the cliff already referred to, and capsized. Doctor Drys- 

 dale and Mr. Gray jumped toward an embayment in the bank and were 

 immediately carried down by the heavy undertow; Smith was able to 

 climb on the overturned raft and thus saved himself. 



By the death of Charles W. Drysdale, the Geological Society of Amer- 

 ica loses a young and recently appointed member, who through untiring 

 and enthusiastic effort had contributed much to our knowledge of the 

 complex geology of several of the most important mining camps of Brit- 

 ish Columbia. His was a short but exceptionally brilliant career. 



Born in Montreal on November 1, 1885, he was the younger son of 

 William and Mary (Wales) Drysdale. His father is a highly respected 

 citizen of Montreal, who now occupies the position of Government Ap- 

 praiser for books and stationery in the Canadian Department of Customs 

 at Montreal. 



