\ 



Harmon's journal, 45 



ed, by the Natives, who are Chippeways. This 

 is thought to be nearly as nourishing as the real 

 rice, and almost as palatable. The kernel of the 

 former, is rather longer than that of the latter, and 

 is of a brownish colour. 



Friday, 25. In the former part of the day, 

 we overtook several gentlemen, who, like our- 

 selves, are on their way to their winter quarters. 

 This is a beautiful river, and pretty free from 

 rapids. 



Saturday, 26. This morning, we met twenty 

 four canoes from Athabasca. They say they suf- 

 fered much for want of food, on their way ; and 

 during four days, ate nothing. We gave them a 

 dram, which made them almost forget their late 

 sufferings. They will arrive at the Rainy Lake, 

 later than usual. 



Monday, 28. We have come down several 

 rapids, at one of which a canoe was broken, the 

 last year, and a man drowned. We are still in 

 the Rainy Lake river, which is about one hundred 

 and twenty miles long, and twelve or fifteen rods 

 broad. The land on each side is low, and is said 

 to be excellent. The timber consists of birch, a 

 species of pine, hemlock, poplar, aspin, cedar. 

 &c. 



Tuesday, 29. This day we came across the 

 Woody Lake, which is full of islands. It is about 



