ACEOSS THE SUB-AECTICS OF CANADA 



tlie steamer. Letters were written and sent back to Edmonton 

 by the drivers, and on the evening of the last day of May we 

 launched our handsome " Peterboroughs " in the great stream, 

 and commenced our long canoe voyage. 



The arrangement of the party was as follows : My brother 

 occupied a central position in one canoe, and I a correspond- 

 ing place in the other. As steersman he chose the eldest of 

 the Iroquois, Pierre, with Michel as bowman. The remain- 

 ing Iroquois, Louis, took the steering paddle of my canoe, 

 and John, the western man, occupied the bow. Thus were 

 our little crafts manjaed, each person, including my brother 

 and myself, being provided with a broad maple paddle. Our 

 loads being light, we were in good speeding condition. Just 

 after launching we met some native Indians in their bark 

 canoes, and by way of amusement and exhibition of speed 

 paddled completely around them in the current, much to their 

 amazement. Then with farewell salute, and the stroke of our 

 paddles timed to the song of the canoemen, we glided swiftly 

 down the stream. 



As the start had been made late in the afternoon, not many 

 miles were passed before it became necessary to look for a 

 camping place. The banks of the river, formed of boulder 

 clay, were very high, and good landings were scarce. In 

 places the mud on the shore was soft and deep, but about 

 seven o'clock a landing was effected and camp pitched for the 

 night. At this time only two small tents were used, an " A " 

 tent for the canoemen and a wall tent, affording a little more 

 head room, for ourselves. The banks being well wooded with 

 white and black poplar, spruce and birch, plenty of fuel was 

 available. A fire was soon kindled and our evening meal 

 prepared, in the cooking of which John was given the first 

 opportunity of distinguishing himself. He was assisted by 

 little Michel, who proved to be a very good hand. Having 

 some bread and biscuits in stock, baking was not yet a 

 necessity. 



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