58 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



but the latter is the most rapid. Mr. 

 M 'Donald, on his way to Red River, in a 

 small canoe, manned by two Indians, over- 

 took us at this place. It may be mentioned 

 as a proof of the dexterity of the Indians, 

 and the skill with which they steel upon 

 their game, that they had on the preceding 

 day, with no other arms than a hatchet, 

 killed two deer, a hawk, a curlew, and a 

 sturgeon. Three of the Company's boats 

 joined us in the course of the morning, and 

 we pursued our course up Hill River in 

 company. The water in this river was so 

 low, and the rapids so bad, that we were 

 obliged several times, in the course of the 

 day, to jump into the water, and assist in 

 lifting the boat over the large stones which 

 impeded the navigation. The length of our 

 voyage to-day was only six miles and 

 three quarters. 



The four boats commenced operations 

 together at five o'clock the following morn- 

 ing ; but our boat being overladen, we soon 

 found that we were unable to keep pace 

 with the others, and, therefore, proposed 



