Many offerings of
value such as handsome dresses, hatchets, and kettles, used to be made to
it, but of late its votaries have been less liberal. It was mentioned to
us as a signal instance of its power that a sacrilegious moose-deer,
having ventured to crop a few of its tender twigs, was found dead at the
distance of a few yards. The bush having now grown old and stunted is
exempted from similar violations.
On the 30th we directed our course round The Neck of Land which is well
clothed with pines and firs; though the opposite or western bank is
nearly destitute of wood. This contrast between the two banks continued
until we reached the commencement of what our companions called the
Barren Grounds when both the banks were alike bare. Vast plains extend
behind the southern bank which afford excellent pasturage for the buffalo
and other grazing animals. In the evening we saw a herd of the former but
could not get near to them. After walking fifteen miles we encamped. The
men's provision having been entirely expended last night we shared our
small stock with them. The poor dogs had been toiling some days on the
most scanty fare; their rapacity in consequence was unbounded; they
forced open a deal box containing tea, etc. to get at a small piece of
meat which had been incautiously placed in it.
ARRIVAL AT CARLTON HOUSE.
As soon as daylight permitted the party commenced their march in
expectation of reaching Carlton House to breakfast, but we did not arrive
before noon although the track was good. We were received by Mr. Prudens,
the gentleman in charge of the post, with that friendly attention which
Governor Williams' circular was calculated to ensure at every station;
and were soon afterwards regaled with a substantial dish of buffalo
steaks which would have been excellent under any circumstances but were
particularly relished by us after our travelling fare of dried meat and
pemmican, though eaten without either bread or vegetables. After this
repast we had the comfort of changing our travelling dresses which had
been worn for fourteen days; a gratification which can only be truly
estimated by those who have been placed under similar circumstances. I
was still in too great pain from swellings in the ankles to proceed to La
Montee, the North-West Company's establishment distant about three miles;
but Mr. Hallet, the gentleman in charge, came the following morning and I
presented to him the circular from Mr. S. McGillivray. He had already
been furnished however with a copy of it from Mr. Connolly, and was quite
prepared to assist us in our advance to the Athabasca.
