164 



RED RIVER EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 



the Valley of Bed Eiver. At the crossing place it is fifteen 

 feet broad. 



Four miles from Big Eat Eiver, Little Eat Eiver was 

 crossed, and the trail then led to the point of junction of 

 the two streams, until it came upon a ridge, which it fol- 

 lowed for a distance of ten miles, after which the great 

 Nine Mile Swamp occurs, where water lodges in marshy 

 intervals, for the distance which has given its name to this 

 wet prairie. A strong Scotch plough, drawn by a stout 

 team of oxen, would soon effect the drainage of the Mne 

 Mile Swamp. It partly originates from the excessive 

 luxuriousness of the grasses growing upon the level ex- 

 panse, which, in a humid season, hold up sufficient water 

 to give permanency to the wetness of this portion of the 

 prairie. Hay, in considerable abundance, as exemplified 

 by the stacks which were seen in all directions, is made on 

 the dry intervals of the Mne Mile Swamp. A French 

 settlement commences immediately on the northern ex- 

 tremity of this characteristic illustration of Eed Eiver 

 indifference and unconcern in regard to the improvement 

 of the country. A very little well-directed labour would 

 convert these extensive marshy areas into the richest 

 pasture and hay privileges, and drive to more congenial 

 haunts the myriads of snipe and plover we disturbed in 

 our passage through them. 



We arrived at Mr. Pierre Gladieux's house an hour after 

 sunset on the evening of September the 29th. We were 

 soon provided with an excellent supper, and our horses, 

 seven in number, well supplied with hay in the yard. Before 

 starting next morning an almost sumptuous breakfast was 

 given to us, and while the horses were being saddled, I 

 begged permission to see the farmyard, &c. Under a 

 small, shed there was a neat, light, four-wheeled carriage, 

 which as we passed Mr. Gladieux very politely and kindly 



