36 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



the river the limestone approaches the surface, and is 

 covered with eight to ten inches of vegetable mould. 

 Although the appearance of the country is attractive, 

 the shallowness of the soil will not permit of extensive 

 agricultural operations. The dip of the rock is towards 

 the south-west, but at so small an angle as to be almost 

 imperceptible, except when a surface of several square 

 yards is exposed. Fossils are few in number, and obscure : 



Fairford, or Partridge Crop. 



the limestone breaks up into thin slabs, being very com- 

 pact and hard. 



We attended evening prayers in an excellent school- 

 house, which serves the purpose of a chapel. There 

 were forty persons present, consisting of Indians and Half- 

 breeds. The service comprised a hymn and a chapter 

 from the New Testament, respectively sung and read in 

 the Ojibway language, an exposition of the chapter by 

 means of an interpreter, and a concluding prayer. The 

 Lord's Prayer was repeated aloud in Ojibway by the 

 whole congregation. 



