The western shore, near the Forks, is destitute of trees; it is composed of lofty perpendicular cliffs, which were now covered with snow.

The eastern shore supports a few pines.
_March 18_ .-- Soon after our departure from the encampment, we met two men from the establishment at Pierre au Calumet, who gave us correct information of its situation and distance.

Having the benefit of their track, we marched at a tolerably quick pace, and made twenty-two miles in the course of the day, though the weather was very disagreeable for travelling, being stormy, with constant snow.

We kept along the river the whole time: its breadth is about two miles.

The islands appear better furnished with wood than its banks, the summits of which are almost bare.