56 Thirty Years 
banks of the river are very scantily supplied with. 
wood through the part we passed to-day. A long 
track on the south shore, called Holms Plains, is des- 
titute of anything like a tree, and the opposite bank 
has only stunted willows; but after walking sixteen 
miles, we came to a spot better wooded, and encamp- 
ed opposite to a remarkable place, called by the voya- 
gers “‘ The Neck of Land.” 
On the thirtieth we directed our course round The 
Neck of Land, which is well clothed with pines and 
firs ; though the opposite or western bank is nearly 
destitute of wood. This contrast between the two 
banks continued until we reached the commencement 
of what our companions called the barren grounds, 
when both the banks were alike bare. Vast plains 
extend behind the southern bank, which afford excel- 
lent pasturage for the buffalo, or other grazing animals. 
In the evening we saw a herd of the former, but could 
not get near to them. After walking fifteen miles we 
encamped. The men’s provision having been entirely 
expended last night, we shared our small stock with 
them. The poor dogs had been toiling some days on 
the most scanty fare ; their rapacity, in consequence, 
was unbounded ; they forced open a deal box, contain- 
ing tea, &., to get at a small piece of meat which had 
been incautiously placed in it. 
As soon as daylight permitted, the party commenc- 
