224 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



from 700 to 4000 feet as we approach the Eocky Moun- 

 tains, consequently it is not equally adapted throughout 

 to the cultivation of any one crop, nevertheless at Fort 

 Edmonton, which has an altitude of 3000 feet, even 

 wheat is sometimes cultivated with success. 



" The least valuable portion of the prairie country has 

 an extent of about 80,000 square miles, and is that 

 lying along the southern branch of the Saskatchewan, 

 and southward from thence to the boundary line, while 

 its northern limit is known in the Indian languages as 

 4 the edge of the woods,' the original line of the woods 

 before invaded by fire. 



" On the western side of the Eocky Mountains, in the 

 country which we examined, there were but few spots at 

 all fitted for the agriculturist, and these form isolated 

 patches in valleys separated by mountain ranges. 



" As the next result of our explorations, I shall briefly 

 mention the different passes through the Eocky Mountains 

 which we explored, alluding to the chief advantages and 

 disadvantages of each. 



" The Kananaskis Pass and the British Kootanie Pass 

 were examined by myself. Of these I consider the 

 Kananaskis Pass the preferable one, both on account of 

 its direct course through the mountains and its easier 

 ascent. 



" The ascent to the height of land from the east is 

 through a wide gently sloping valley, and the immediate 

 watershed is formed by a narrow ridge, which, if pierced 

 by a short tunnel, would reduce the summit level to 

 about 4600 feet above the sea. The descent to the 

 west, into which Kananaskis Pass opens, is comparatively 

 easy. 



"The British Kootanie Pass also opens out into the 

 Kootanie Eiver valley, but the altitude here to be over- 



