38 ALL AFLOAT 



royal progress as he could. Time and money 

 were never neglected : his ' record runs ' 

 across the wilderness and the dividends at 

 headquarters proved that to the full. He 

 was determined to show every one concerned 

 that thenceforth there was only one governing 

 company, and that he was its proper representa- 

 tive. Then, as always, London was the general 

 headquarters. But the Canadian headquarters 

 were at Montreal; and Simpson fixed whatmight 

 be called the field headquarters at Norway 

 House, near the north end of Lake Winnipeg, 

 a commanding strategic point in the heart of 

 the great fur territories. Here he was always 

 busy introducing discipline, enforcing a much- 

 needed reduction in the ration of rum given 

 to the Indians, and reporting home. As 

 voyageurs, he thought the French Canadians 

 much better than the men of any other race. 

 ' Canadians preferable to Orkneymen. Orkney- 

 men less expensive but slow. Less physical 

 strength and spirits. Obstinate if brought 

 young into the service. Scotch and Irish, 

 when numerous, quarrelsome, independent, 

 and mutinous.' He introduced fines as a 

 punishment. But * this will only do for 

 Europeans. A blow is better for Canadians.' 

 On July 12, 1828, Simpson left York Factory 



