58 PLAINS ON FIRE. 



buffaloe skin, which weigh about eighty and 

 a hundred pounds each. It is a species of food 

 well adapted to travelling in the country ; but 

 so strongly cemented in the bag, that when it 

 is used, it is necessary to apply the axe ; and 

 very much resembles in appearance tallow- 

 chandler's grease. 



The 10th. — The plains have been on fire to a 

 considerable extent for several days past, and 

 the awful spectacle is seen this evening, 

 through the whole of the northern, and western 

 horizon. Idle rumours prevail that the Sioux 

 Indians will attack the Settlement; which 

 unhappily unsettle the minds, and interrupt 

 the industry of the colonists. But none of 

 these things move me, in carrying on my 

 plans, and making arrangements to erect a 

 substantial building, sixty feet by twenty. The 

 Red River appears to me, a most desirable 

 spot for a Missionary establishment, and the 

 formation of schools ; from whence Christianity 

 may arise, and be propagated among the 

 numerous tribes of the north. The settlers are 

 now actively employed in preparing to sow 

 the small lots of land which they have cleared : 

 but this season is short from the great length of 

 the winter. — The 20th being Sunday more than 

 one hundred of them assembled at the Fort for 



