nt, chin small, mouth wide,
with thick lips, the upper covered with beard; the body strongly built
and muscular. They appear destitute of the amiable qualities which
characterise the Crees. Whenever we met any of them on our route, and
asked for fish or meat, "Budt hoola,"[1] was the invariable answer;
yet no Indians were ever more importunate than they in begging for
tobacco. On the contrary, when we fell in with Crees, they allowed
us to help ourselves freely, and were delighted to see us do so,
receiving thankfully whatever we gave them in return. The features of
the Crees are not so strongly marked as those of the Sauteux, although
they are a kindred people; yet they are as easily distinguishable from
each other, as an Englishman from a Frenchman.

[1] There is none.

We left Isle a la Crosse on the 12th, and without meeting with any
adventure worthy of notice, reached the end of Portage la Loche
about two o'clock P.M. of the following day, with canoe and baggage.
In this, as in every other part of their territories, the Company
use boats for the transport of property; but by a very judicious
arrangement, much time and labour are saved at this portage, which is
said to be twelve miles in length. Boats are placed at the upper and
lower ends, so that the men have only to carry across the property,
which, in truth, of itself is a sufficiently laborious operation for
human beings. The people from the district of McKenzie's River come
thus far with their returns, and receive their outfit in boats manned
by half-breeds, who are hired at Red River for the trip.

The prospect which the surrounding country presents from the upper
end of the portage is very striking; and the more so from the sudden
manner in which it bursts upon the view. You suddenly arrive at the
summit of a remarkably steep hill, where, on looking around, the first
object that attracts attention is a beautiful green hill standing on
the opposite side of the deep glen, through which the clear Water
River flows, forming the most prominent feature of an extensive range,
cut up by deep ravines, whose sides are clothed with wood, presenting
already all the beautiful variety of their autumnal hues; while,
at intervals, a glimpse was caught of the river meandering through
the valley. In former times these hills were covered with herds of
buffaloes, but not one is to be seen now.

We once more proceeded down the stream, and arrived at Athabasca on
the 21s