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Birds. 



Lake Winnipeg divides two portions of country very different both 

 in geological formation and external aspect, and having traversed the 

 densely wooded part of primitive formation, we now enter a region of 

 "drift," geologically speaking, under which lies limestone. After 

 passing the Grand Rapid and Cedar Lake the whole country is nearly 

 level, and being but little elevated about the river is nearly all swamps, 

 until you reach above Cumberland House, which you will see marked 

 on the map. 



This is a great rendezvous for wild fowl, and where I was so 

 astonished at the immense numbers, which I have mentioned in 



a letter to J . After this you gradually rise, step by step, to 



the great " prairie levels," the cutting of the river becoming deeper 

 and deeper, until, at Carlton, you have risen about 400 feet above 

 Lake Winnipeg. Wood gradually disappears, except along the river, 

 and here, at some distance from the river, you lose wood altogether, 

 and in other parts you have only a small growth of poplars and 

 willows, a tree of the pine family being a rarity. 



Now, as you may have a faint idea of the country through which 

 this river passes, I will commence with the ornithological notes. 



From the Autumnal Equinox to October 23. 

 Eagles. Were occasionally seen during the wdiole time, but not 

 identified. 



Fish Hawk. Only observed once or twice. 



Hawks. 1. A small species was observed, spotted under parts. 

 2. A large species of supposed buzzard, entirely of an ash-colour, 

 without the white rump. 3. Supposed hen harrier in adult plumage ; 

 also one in plumage part ash and part red-brown, with the white 

 rump. 4. A good-sized dark-coloured species. 5. One, of which T 

 have a specimen not made out. 



I have an account of some mallards and teal chased by a couple of 

 hawks and our boat, which I noted at the time while the scene was 

 fresh in my mind, and hope to have the pleasure of reading the same 

 to you from my note-book, when we meet again. I also observed 

 the small species mentioned make a swoop at a belted kingfisher, 

 nearly as large as itself. 



Owls. I have but twice noted an owd as seen. Having hard work 

 during the day I was asleep generally during the whole night; but, at 

 any rate, this open country is not well suited to these birds. 



Belted Kingfisher. Common, but not observed after the 7th of 

 October, at "Mosquito Point," lat. 53°— 50° N.,long. ]02°— 53* W. 



