114 



CLIMATE OF RED RIVER, 



and highest degree of Zero ; which will give a 

 general idea of the change of the state of the 

 air. Though I have been informed of the 

 thermometer having been several degrees 

 higher and lower at the Colony, than here 

 stated, the winter is nearly the same, as to 

 the time it sets in and breaks up, as that of 

 Montreal ; but the frost is rather more intense, 

 with less snow, and a clearer air. During the 

 winter months, a north-westerly wind, which 

 is synonymous in this quarter of the globe, 

 with excessive cold, generally prevails ; and 

 even in sultry weather, the moment that the 

 wind veers from the south to that quarter, its 

 chilling influence is immediately felt in the 

 sudden transition from heat to cold. In 

 summer, a southerly wind blows commonly 

 with considerable heat, and often in heavy 

 gales, is accompanied with violent torrents of 

 rain, and much thunder. 



The 4th.— The Indians around us generally 

 divide into small parties for the better support 

 of their families during the winter months ; 

 and in their rambling existence in search of 

 animals for provisions. Pigewis and a few 

 others, occupying two lodges, called on me 

 to-day, saying that they were starving. The 

 woods which they generally hunted were burnt 



