266 DOUGLAS' JOURNAL 



Breakfasted in a low wet plain near a narrow lake, where we made a 

 stay of a few hours to refresh the horses. Passed through a low point 

 near a creek bank, in many places by old beaver dams. Entered a second 

 plain and camped in the wood at the south end. Rainy with thunder. 

 Minimum 38°, maximum 48°. 



Thursday, \lth. — Morning raw and unpleasant. Minimum heat 33°, 

 maximum 52°. Heavy showers during the forenoon. Two hours' walk 

 through an excessively bad road took us to Paddle River, a rapid muddy 

 creek, thirty yards wide and at present swollen over its banks from the 

 melting of the snow. A raft was constructed and two men swam across 

 and puUed it over by a rope ; by this tedious operation we got all over in 

 the space of three hours. This place affording no fodder for the horses, went 

 on until we came to a low plain at midday, when we, as soon as refreshed 

 in the afternoon, continued through a thick woody country intersected by 

 narrow lakes until we reached Pembina River at dusk, and regretted at not 

 finding the canoes which we parted from six days ago. 



Friday, 18iA. — Morning fine and pleasant. Three large rafts being 

 made, sufficient to carry all the baggage and persons in one trip, the 

 river being too broad and rapid to return with one, we all crossed except 

 Mr. Stuart, who intends to await his canoes. Went before the 

 brigade in quest of birds, but still unfortunate. Path a little better 

 than the preceding days ; ground high and not so thickly wooded. 

 Shortly after two o'clock arrived at Eagle Lake, six or eight miles long, 

 three to four broad, in which are caught grey sucker, white fish, and pike 

 or jack fish, where we must stay to procure wherewith to complete the 

 remainder of our journey to the Saskatchewan. Thirty-one were caught 

 before dusk on the first visit of the net — -of pike and sucker but no white 

 fish. Some were also had from a small barrier in the stream flowing out of 

 the lake. 



Saturday, 19(A. — The fishermen during last night caught only sixty 

 fish — grey sucker or carp of the voyageur and jack fish. The forme^^ 

 2 to 3 lb., the latter 8 to 12 ; both good eating. Minimum heat 

 39°, maximum 64° ; pleasant. Found a species of Fumaria, annual or 

 biennial, in blossom ; flowers yellow ; on the edge of the lake ; saw only 

 one plant ; laid in specimens. In my walk round part of the lake in wood 

 kiUed a pair of White Fleshers, male and female. The former being a fine 

 bird, and having time on my hands, I preserved it. Found a nest with 

 six eggs, of the species which I killed a few days since ; the hen escaped 

 me. Eggs small, bright dun colour. Minimum heat 31°, maximum 63°. 



Sunday, 2Qih. — High wind during the night ; minimum heat 36°, 

 maximum 61°. Cloudy towards even. Received a friendly note from 

 Mr. Stuart, whom I have just left, that should I arrive at Fort Edmonton 

 and find that a few days can be spent to advantage, to wait and descend 

 the Saskatchewan in his boat. A sufficiency of fish being caught for a 

 part of the journey, raised camp at ten, keeping a south course. Road very 

 bad, much worse than any yet gone over ; passing the numerous swamps 

 often sinking nearly to the middle in mud and water. Some of the horses 

 obliged us to camp earlier than expectation, being broken down with 



