The Indians have of late years been gradually deserting the low or swampy country, and ascending the Saskatchawan, where animals are more abundant.

A few Crees were at this time encamped in front of the fort.

They were suffering under hooping-cough and measles, and looked miserably dejected.

We endeavoured in vain to prevail on one of them to accompany us for the purpose of killing ducks, which were numerous, but too shy for our sportsmen.

We had the satisfaction, however, of exchanging the mouldy pemmican, obtained at Swampy Lake, for a better kind, and received, moreover, a small, but very acceptable, supply of fish.