North-West Continent of America, 



feet above the level of the river, and was sown with tur- 

 nips, carrots, and parsnips. The first grew to a large 

 size, and the others thrived very well. An experiment 

 was also made with potatoes and cabbages, the former of 

 which were successful ; but for want of care the latter fail- 

 ed. The next winter the person who had undertaken this 

 cultivation, suffered the potatoes, which had been collect- 

 ed for seed, to catch the frost, and none had been since 

 brought to this place. There is not the least doubt but 

 the soil would be very productive, if a proper attention 

 was given to its preparation. In the fall of the year 1787',, 

 when I first arrived at Athabasca, Mr. Pond was settled 

 on the banks of the Elk River, where he remained for 

 three years, and had formed as fine a kitchen garden as I 

 ever saw in Canada. 



In addition to the wood which flourished below the fall, 

 these banks produce the cypress tree, arrow- wood, and the 

 ifihorn. On either side of the river, though invisible from 

 it, are extensive plains, which abound in buffaloes, elks, 

 wolves, foxes, and bears. At a considerable distance t6 

 the Westward, is an immense ridge of highland or moun- 

 tains, which take an oblique direction from below the falls, 

 and are inhabited by great numbers of deer, who are sel- 

 dom disturbed, but when the Indians go to hunt the bea- 

 ver in those parts ; and, being tired of the flesh of the lat- 

 ter, vary their food with that of the former. This ridge 

 bears the name of the Deer Mountain. Opposite to our 

 present situation, are beautiful meadows, with various 

 animals grazing on them, and groves of poplars irregular- 



scattered over them. 



My tent was no sooner pitched, than I summoned the 

 Indians together, and gave each of ihem about four inches 

 of Brazil tobacco, a dram of spirits, and lighted the pipe. 

 As they had been very troublesome to my predecessor, I 

 informed them that I had heard of their misconduct, and 

 was come among them to inquire into the truth of it. I 

 added also that it would be an established rule with me to 

 treat them with kindness, if their behaviour should be such 

 as to deserve it ; but, at the same time, that I should be 

 equally severe if they failed in those returns which I had 

 right to expect from them. I then presented them with a 

 quantity of rum, which I recommended to be used with 

 discretion ; and added some tobacco, as a token of peace. 

 They, in return, made me the fairest promises ; and 



