backs. In order to preserve them against our return, we erected a sort of stage, on which the canoe was placed, bottom upwards, and defended from the sun by branches of trees. Near it was built a long square of logs, to contain the rest of our treasure. Having taken these precautions, we set out on our perilous journey by land, each man carrying a load of pemican on his shoulders, and an equal weight of ammunition, besides his gun. The first day we marched twelve miles, through woods, along a rugged path, and were glad to repose our weary limbs at an Indian camp of three fires. A party from the westward joined us, and raised our hopes by the assurance that it was not more than eight days' journey to the sea. They proposed to send two young men before us, to prepare the natives for our approach, and ensure us a favourable reception, which was thankfully accepted.

We followed our guides along the edge of a lake, through thick woods, and without any path for some distance. We then crossed a creek, and entered upon a beaten track, through an open country, sprinkled with cypress trees. At noon the sky became black, and a heavy gust, with rain, succeeded, attended with a violent hail-storm. The ground was covered with hail-stones of an enormous size, such as we had never seen before; and as the rain continued, we fixed up a thin, light, oil-cloth, to shelter us from it, and under this covering we passed the

night. The next day we travelled along a level country, embellished with fir-trees; but as we had seen no water, we suffered from intolerable thirst.

The natives that we now fell in with, bore a different appearance from any we had yet seen. Amongst them was a woman, who had come from the sea-coast: she was rather corpulent, of low stature, had grey eyes, and a flattish nose. She was dressed out in various finery, such as large blue beads, either hanging from her ears, braided in her hair, or encircling her neck. She also wore bracelets of brass, copper, and horn. Her under dress was a kind of tunic, covered with a robe of matted bark, fringed round the bottom with seaotter skin. These people appear to treat age with the greatest reverence and affection; for we observ ed an old woman, who from extreme age was quite blind and unable to walk, whom they carried by turns on their backs. They are equally attentive to the memory of their deceased relations, as appeared from a middle-aged woman, whom we saw earnestly weeding a circular spot; and on enquiring the cause of this care, from which our approach did not in the least disturb her, the by-standers informed us, that the ashes of her husband and her son were buried there; and that she never passed that way without paying this tribute of her regard.

As we advanced, the country became more

thickly

thickly inhabited. By the good offices of out couriers, we had generally a hospitable reception, and were sometimes regaled with a few dried fish. We frequently changed our guides, few being willing to go with us a great way from home; but when they reached the extent that suited their convenience, they transferred us to others, who in their turn escorted us as far as they chose, or perhaps as long as they had any personal acquaintance with the inhabitants.

The West-road river crossed our path: we forded it about knee deep and a hundred yards wide. Twelve dreary miles we passed over an extensive swamp, in which we were often over the ancles: an evil that was increased by rainy weather. In this part of the road we were struck with the singular appearance of several regular basons: some were filled with water, and others were empty; but whether they were natural or artificial, could not be ascertained. We arrived at the banks of another considerable river, abounding with fish, which afforded us an agreeable change of food; game of all kinds having been unaccountably scarce. We proceeded beneath a range of beautiful hills; and beyond them, to the south, we discovered the tops of mountains covered with snow. The river being too deep to ford, we crossed it on a raft, and then marched till we reached two houses pleasantly situated. We entered them, and found them without inhabitants; but as the furniture was not removed,

we

we supposed the owners were at no great distance. Near them were several graves or monuments of the dead, which the natives greatly revere, and never suffer any weeds or grass to grow upon them. A little beyond we fell in with a party of Red-fish men, who appeared more healthy, cleanly, and agreeable, than any of the natives we had yet seen. They told us there were but a few days' journey to the sea. They showed no signs of alarm at our appearance; nor did they express more than surprise at the sound of our fire-arms, though one of our hunters killed an eagle in their presence. A most uncomfortable succession of rainy weather increased the difficulties of our journey: we were often drenched to the skin, and obliged to halt to dry our clothes. This part of the country is intersected with rivulets, lakes, and swamps..

All our guides having deserted us, we were at a loss which way to proceed; and under great apprehensions from the natives, who, unapprised of our approach, or the design of our journey, might mistake us for enemies, and treat us as if we were so. In this state of uneasiness and doubt, we suddenly came to a house built in a verdant plain, near the side of the river. Mr. Roseberry, with his usual courage, entered it alone. The women and children, on beholding him, uttered the most horrid shrieks, believing that they were attacked by enemies, and that they should be all immediately massacred. A

man

man that was with them fled out at a back door, be fore Mr. Roseberry could prevent his flight.

A display of beads and trinkets, with gentleness of manners, gradually allayed their apprehensions, and prevailed with the women to bring back the man, who, after repeated efforts, returned with a com panion, who harangued us in a very loud tone of voice. The purport of his address was, that he trusted in our mercy, and we might kill him if it was our pleasure; though he hoped for our friendship, rather than our enmity. Having conciliated them by gifts, the first man and his son agreed to accompany us; and, that they might not be burdensome, they sup ported themselves by fishing, and the inner bark of trees, that they stripped off with a thin piece of bone. This food is very agreeable to them, and is of a glu tinous quality, with a clammy, sweet taste.

Our path now wound over the mountains; sometimes climbing the steep ascents, then descending their rugged sides. The fatigue of this laborious march was alleviated by the assurance of our guides, that, at the termination of this high range, we should reach the ocean. We passed a number of houses, but never saw one in this country without a tomb belonging to it. Our present guides were very communicative; from them we learned that they sometimes burned their dead, except the larger bones, which are rolled up in bark, and hung on poles near the tomb. On other occasions they bury the corpse, and when the same