Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1836. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter V. Brief Account of Fort Chipewyan.--An Iroquois Musician.--Arrival of the small Canoe.--Embark iu a half-sized Canoe.--Extreme Danger.--Embark in an Indian Canoe.--Indian Mode of Travelling.--Musk-rat.--Salt Plains.--Arrive at Fort Resolution.--State of the Country as regards Civilization.--Poisson Inconnu.--Journey resumed.--Lose our Way.--Make a Portage.--Great Snowy Owl.--Reach the Wintering Ground.--Captain Back's Account.--A Skunk.--Route to the Great Fish River by the Athabasca Lake abandoned.--Important Investigation as regards the Great Fish River.--Further Information obtained at Fort Resolution.--Hoar-frost River, difficult Ascent of.--Artillery, Clinton-Colden, Aylmer, and Sussex Lakes.--Discovery of the Great Fish River.--Return. August 29th.--Fort Chipewyan is remarkable as having been the residence of Sir Alexander M'Kenzie for eight years, whence he took his departure on both his overland expeditions. The establishment once presented a busy scene, and a very good building; but it is now reduced to comparative insignificance. of fort chipewyan. 105 The fishery is upwards of sixteen miles from the fort, a distance which frequently exposes the inhabitants, who depend entirely on fish for their subsistence, to great privations; as every prevailing wind raises so high a sea, that the crossing of the lake is attended with considerable danger. This was the case during our stay, and we were obliged to partake of the only food in store, consisting of pounded meat and moose grease. The fort is built upon a rock of gneiss, forming one of the sides of a small bay. The soil is good, producing barley and potatoes; and would no doubt produce wheat also, if properly attended to. The valleys between the rocks afford plenty of grass, and all the fruits of ...
