332 MEMOIR OF A SURVEY OF 



19th November. — The second day no material obstacle was encountered, 

 however stone beds were found to be taking place of sands, and several 

 rapids were passed. The hills appeared near at hand, and in them a 

 remarkable break, which was afterwards found to be, as conjectured, the 

 channel of the river. 



20th November.— The third day the rapids were more numerous, 

 and more troublesome, but on the fourth, (21st of November,) they 

 obstructed progress materially. Wherever encountered, the people were 

 obliged to get out of the canoes, both to lighten them and to assist with 

 their strength in pushing them against the currents. The direction of 

 the river hitherto, nearly N. and S., is suddenly from the N. W. Deer 

 and buffaloes were seen in numbers, as well as the large water fowl, called 

 Keewaree. Musk beetles were very annoying from the intolerable odour 

 communicated by contact with them ; the hills were now so near, that 

 trees and the colors of the foliage were plainly distinguishable on the 

 nearer ranges, as well as the patches cleared for cultivation, but no habi- 

 tation was yet seen. 



22d November. — After tolerable progress, Captain Bedford arrived in 

 the evening near Pasted, an Abor village, which is half a day's journey inland 

 from the river, on the right bank. This was the limit of his excursion, 

 as, on various pretences, the Abors of that place opposed his farther pro- 

 gress. One plea urged was, that any one, having met them on friendly 

 terms, would, no doubt, be very ill received by the Abors higher up, with 

 whom they were at enmity. It was, therefore, necessary to return, after 

 a stay of two days, and with such information as was to be obtained from 

 the Natives, who, though obstinate on the score of a further advance, 

 and troublesome, from their rude habits and childish curiosity, were, on 

 the whole, amicable and communicative. 



