Jan. 25, 1858.] BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN EXPEDITION. 
147 
above mentioned. It, like the Turtle Mountain, is covered with 
dense woods, lakes, and swamps. 
On the 20th August we arrived again on the Mouse or “ Souris ” 
Eiver, and here Dr. Hector first discovered coal of a very fair 
quality. From this point of the Mouse Eiver an hour’s ride brought 
us to the “ Eoche Percee.” A singular appearance is here produced 
on the rocks and stones by the combined action of the atmosphere 
and water; the layers of sand and clay forming these, being un- 
equal in hardness, are worn accordingly into grotesque shapes, 
affording more astonishment to the Indians and half-breeds visiting 
the spot than interest to the geologist on a more close examination. 
Here I was visited by a large number of Stone Indians, cele- 
brated as the greatest horse-thieves in the country : however, I 
concealed all apprehension for my horses. I also discovered that 
meat was a very scarce article among them, as they had not fallen 
in with buffalo for many days. I had, however, been fortunate 
enough to kill two bulls that morning, and secured their good offices 
and the safety of my horses by giving them the meat, inviting them 
to cook and prepare their own feast, to which I added some tea, 
sugar, and flour, desiring them in return to guard my horses all 
night, which injunction they regarded as a compliment, and faith- 
fully performed. 
The following day we returned, and reached Fort Ellice on the 
25th of August. 
On examining the horses I had left behind at this post when I 
started for “ Eoche Percee,” I found them not sufficiently recruited 
to proceed westward to the Elbow : I therefore determined to wait 
a few days longer. I likewise found that my guide and interpreter 
was so frightened at the prospect of entering the Blackfoot country, 
that he gave me very false interpretation as to the facilities of the 
route I intended (according to my instructions) to adopt. I there- 
fore started a messenger to Mr. Christie, the chief officer of the 
Hudson Bay Company, requesting the services of Mr. M‘Kay (the 
officer in charge of Fort Ellice) as an interpreter to accompany me 
on the expedition. Mr. Christie, on receiving my letter, rode three 
days’ journey to meet me at Fort Ellice, and brought with him a 
gentleman to put in Mr. M‘Kay’s place, ‘thereby placing the valu- 
able services of the latter at my disposal. In the mean time, on the 
7th of September, finding my horses sufficiently rested to resume 
operations, I started the expedition under Dr. Hector for the “ Qui 
Appelle ” lakes, and remained behind at Fort Ellice until I should 
see or hear from Mr. Christie, whose subsequent arrival on Sep- 
tember 9th, set Mr. M‘Kay at liberty ; and, after accounts were 
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