XIV 



PREFACE. 



to reside in the forts, by the men in the service 

 of the company ; and families have been reared, 

 which have generally been left in the country, 

 when these men have retired to the civilized parts 

 of the world. These women and children, with a 

 humanity which deserves commendation, are not 

 turned over to the savages ; but they are fed, if 

 not clothed, by the company. They have become 

 so numerous, as to be a burden to the concern ; 

 and a rule has been established, that no person, in 

 the service of the company, shall hereafter take a 

 woman from among the Natives to reside with 

 him, as a sufficient number, of a mixed blood, can 

 be found, who are already connected with the 

 company. There are, also, in the N. W. country, 

 many superannuated Canadians, who have spent 

 the flower of their days in the service of the com- 

 pany, who have families that they are unwilling to 

 leave ; and having nothing to attract them to the 

 civilized world, they continue under the protec- 

 tion of the company, and are supplied by them, 

 with the necessaries of life. 



A plan has been in contemplation, to provide 

 for the future maintenance of these people, and 



