INTRODUCTION, Xvi 
he returned to the head of the Elk River, on which he passed the 
winter making collections, under privations which would have 
effectually quenched the zeal of a less hardy naturalist. In the 
month of April, 1826, he revisited the Columbia portage-road, and 
remained in that neighbourhood until the 10th of August, when he 
made a journey to the head waters of the Peace River, during which 
he suffered severely from famine. Nothing daunted, however, he 
hastened back as soon as he obtained a supply of provisions, to the 
Columbia portage, with the view of crossing to that river, and 
botanizing for a season on its banks, He had reached the west end 
of the portage, when he'was overtaken by letters from Sir John 
Franklin, acquainting him that it was necessary to be at York Factory 
in 1827. ‘This rendered it necessary for him speedily to commence 
his return, which he did with great regret, for the view of 
the Columbia, whose banks are rich in natural productions, had 
stimulated his desire to explore them, and he remarks,—*« The snow 
covered the ground too deeply to permit me to add much to my 
collections in this hasty trip over the mountains ; but it was impossible 
to avoid noticing the great superiority of the climate on the western 
side of that lofty range. From the instant the descent towards the 
Pacific commences, there is a visible improvement in the growth of 
timber, and the variety of forest trees greatly increases. The few 
mosses that I gleaned in the excursion were so fine, that I could not 
but deeply regret that I was unable to pass a season or two in that 
interesting region.” He now bade adieu to the mountains and 
returned to Edmonton-house, where he stayed some time, and then 
joined me at Carlton-house, as has been already mentioned. His 
collections on the mountains and plains of the Saskatchewan amounted 
to about “ fifteen hundred species of plants, one hundred and. fifty 
birds, fifty quadrupeds, and a considerable number of insects.” He 
remained for six weeks at Carlton-house after I left that place, and 
then. descended. to Cumberland-house, where he met Captain Back, 
whom he accompanied to York Factory; but he had previously the 
pleasure of seemg Mr. David Douglas, who, after collecting specimens 
c 
