n against
them--Beefsteaks--New Caledonian Fare--Mode of catching
Salmon--Singular Death of native Interpreter--Indian Funeral
Rites--Barbarous Treatment of Widows

CHAPTER XIX.

Indian Feast--Attempt at Dramatic Representation--Religion--Ordered to
Fort Alexandria--Advantages of the Situation--Sent back to Fort St.
James--Solitude--Punishment of Indian Murderer--Its Consequences--Heroic
Adventure of Interpreter

CHAPTER XX.

Appointed to the Charge of Fort George--Murder of Mr. Yale's
Men--Mysterious Loss of Mr. Linton and Family--Adventures of Leather
Party--Failure of Crops--Influenza

CHAPTER XXI.

Climate of New Caledonia--Scenery--Natural
Productions--Animals--Fishes--Natives--Their Manners and
Customs--Duelling--Gambling--Licentiousness--Language

NOTES

OF A

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS' SERVICE

AT THE

HUDSON'S BAY TERRITORY.

CHAPTER I.

THE HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY AND TERRITORIES.

That part of British North America known by the name of the Hudson's
Bay territory extends from the eastern coast in about 60 deg. W. long. to
the Russian boundary in 142 deg. W.; and from the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
along the Ottawa River and the northern shores of Lakes Huron and
Superior, and thence to the boundary line of the United States;
extending in latitude thence to the northern limit of America; being
in length about 2,600 miles, and in breadth about 1,400 miles. This
extensive space may be divided into three portions, each differing
most materially in aspect and surface. The first and most extensive is
that which is on the east, from the Labrador coast, round Hudson's
Bay, northward to the Arctic region, and westward to the Rocky
Mountains. This is entirely a wooded district, affording that
plentiful supply of timber which forms so large a branch of the
Canadian export trade. These interminable forests are principally
composed of pines of large size, but which towards the northern
boundary are of a very stinted growth. Another portion is the prairie
country, reaching from Canada westward to the Rocky Mountains, and
intersected by the boundary line of the United States. In general, the
soil is rich alluvial, which being covered with luxuriant herbage,
affords pasturage for the vast herds of wild buffaloes which roam over
these extensive plains. The western part is that which lies between
the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, including the Oregon
territory, which was likely to have led to