82 



harmon's journal. 



those of our horses which we intend shall work, 

 during the winter season. The others live the 

 whole year, upon the grass which tjiey find in 

 the prairies. In the winter, to procure it, they 

 must scrape away, with their feet, the snow, 

 which is generally eighteen inches deep, except- 

 ing on the highest hills, from which the wind 

 drives most of it into the valleys. 



Thursday, August 27. All the provision 

 which we now have in the fort, consists of only 

 about fifteen pounds of pimican ; and when we 

 shall be able to add to our supply, God only knows. 

 All our dependance is on our hunters; and it is 

 now a considerable time since they have killed any 

 thing, though moose and elk are numerous in this 

 vicinity. % 



Sunday, 30. Yesterday, three of our people 

 arrived from the Grand Portage, with letters 

 from Mr. M c Leod, &c, which inform me, that 

 the above mentioned people, together with oth- 

 ers who remained at Swan River fort, were sent 

 off from head quarters, earlier than usual, with an 

 assortment of goods, supposing, that we might 

 need some articles, before the main brigade ar- 

 rives. 



Sunday, September 6. This is the third day, 

 during which it has rained, without the least 

 cessation. — There are five families of Crees, en- 



