14 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA: 
valley of the South Branch of the Saskatchewan River, 
and just within view of the snow-clad peaks of the 
Rocky Mountains. From Calgary our way lay toward 
the north, via the Edmonton Branch of the C. P. R., 
and after a stay of only a few hours we were again 
hurrying onward. On the evening of the same day, in 
a teeming rain, we reached Edmonton, the northern 
terminus of the railway. 
Edmonton is a town situated on both banks of the 
North Branch of the Saskatchewan, and at this time 
was in a “booming” condition, particularly upon the 
southern bank. Many large business houses were being 
erected, and property was selling at stiff prices. Ed- 
monton is chiefly noted for its hgnite mines, which are 
worked to a considerable extent, and produce coal of very 
fair quality. The seams are practically of unlimited 
extent, and are easily accessible in many places along 
the river banks. Gold is also washed from the sands in 
paying quantities, while the town is surrounded by a fair 
agricultural and grazing country. Petroleum, too, has 
been discovered in the vicinity, and indications are that 
in the near future Edmonton will be a flourishing city. 
The older part of the town is situated on the north 
side of the river, and communication is maintained 
by means of an old-fashioned ferry, operated by cables 
and windlass. As the Hudson’s Bay Company’s stores 
and offices from which our supplies were to be forwarded 
are situated on the north side, we crossed over on the 
ferry, and engaged rooms at the Jasper House. Upon 
enquiry we were gratified to find that the supplies and 
men, excepting the two who were to meet us later, had 
all arrived in safety. Our provisions, which were to be 
a! £7 < 
* 8 
. “_ 
on ts 
