RED RIVER EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 



white colour, and very compact, some of which would 

 yield good material for burning." These beds of impure 

 limestone are mentioned by Mr. Murray (Geological 

 Survey of Canada, for 1846-7) as occurring in the lower 

 portions of the formation occupying this valley. 



It is worthy of notice that substantial records of far 

 more extensive settlements than now exist, showing a 

 much higher degree of civilisation and improvement, are 

 found at or near the various posts along this route, and 

 particularly at Fort William. 



Most of these remains of former industry and art, date 

 from the time when the North West Company, occupied 

 the country, and there is reason to believe that much 

 valuable knowledge respecting the resources of particular 

 localities has been forgotten, or is hidden in the memories 

 of those who may not have the opportunity to make it 

 known. 



Mr. Keating* mentions the ruins of the old Fort de 

 Meuron, erected by Lord Selkirk. He was also shown 

 the remains of a winter road opened by that enterpris- 

 ing nobleman, from the Kaministiquia to the Grand 

 Portage on the Pigeon Eiver, about thirty-six miles, 

 distant. The remains of a road to White Fish Lake is 

 also still to be seen, and, indeed, it forms a winter route 

 for half-breeds and Indians at the present day between 

 the lakes on the Pigeon Eiver, and the valley of the 

 Kaministiquia. The Canadian government have recently 

 laid out the valley of the Kaministiquia below the Ka-ka- 

 beka Falls into two townships, named respectively Pai- 

 poonge and Nee-bing. 



On the 3rd August we prepared for our immediate de- 

 parture, and were all ready, with the exception of the 



* Narrative of an Expedition to the Source of St. Peter's River. 



