142 



EED RIVER EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 



these were followed by gravel spits as the area opened ; 

 beyond the gravel spits, which extended perhaps over a 

 quarter of the segment, flats of coarse sand showed them- 

 selves ; these were strangely filled and strewed with the 

 decayed and broken horns of the elk, the bones and horns 

 of the elk, buffalo, deer, and just beyond these a human 

 skull, with two or three scattered and water- worn skulls of 

 buffalo ; the sandy areas ceased in curved lines, with a 

 small steep descent of about two feet, and were succeeded 

 by mud partly covered here and there with fine sand, 

 probably drifted by wind. The sandy mud was followed 

 by fine compact mud, with numerous deep cracks par- 

 tially filled with fine sand. Another fall of about three feet 

 occurred in the form of a bank, and recent mud, smooth 

 and treacherous, occupied the remaining portion of the 

 segment a few inches above the present water level. 

 This arrangement of mud, sand, and gravelly spits was 

 noticed elsewhere, and probably frequently occurs in the 

 Low Prairie region through which the Assinniboine is con- 

 tinually changing its course by excavating new channels 

 in the soft and yielding clays. 



The timber on the banks of this river is perhaps not so 

 heavy as on Eed Eiver, nevertheless some very fine oak 

 and elm, with white wood and poplar of extraordinary 

 dimensions, were seen near the Prairie Portage. A fair 

 quantity of sugar is made by the Assinniboine half-breeds, 

 but not in comparison with what might be easily obtained 

 if systematic habits and a proper appreciation of the fruits 

 of industry existed here. A species of grape grows in pro- 

 fusion on the banks of this river. I suppose it to be the 

 frost grape ( Vites Andifolia). The fruit when first gathered 

 is not very palatable, but after hanging in the open air for 

 forty-eight hours it acquires a sweet taste and a very de- 

 licious flavour. 



