t of August, where we found Dr. King, who had been delayed some
days repairing his boats; Capt. Back having proceeded onwards in a
light canoe to fix on a winter residence.

Fort Chippeweyan was, in the time of the North-West Company, next in
importance to Fort William. Besides having several detached posts
depending immediately upon itself, and carrying on a very extensive
trade with the Chippeweyans, (the best hunters in the Indian country,)
it served as depot for the districts of McKenzie's River, and Peace
River.

The trade of this district, although it bears no comparison to that of
former times, is yet pretty extensive. It is still the depot for Peace
River, and commands the trade with the Chippeweyans. Trade is carried
on in this quarter solely by barter, which secures the Company from
loss, and is apparently attended with no inconvenience to the natives,
who used formerly to take their supplies on credit.

Beaver is the standard according to which all other furs are rated; so
many martens, so many foxes, &c., equal to one beaver. The trader, on
receiving the Indian's hunt, proceeds to reckon it up according to
this rule, giving the Indian a quill for each beaver; these quills are
again exchanged at the counter for whatever articles he wants. The
people of this post subsist entirely on the produce of the country,
fish, flesh, and fowl, of which there is the greatest abundance. Both
soil and climate are said to be unfavourable to the cultivation of
grain or vegetables; the attempt is made, however, and sometimes with
success.

I took my departure from Athabasca on the 24th of August, accompanied
by Mr. Charles Ross, who had passed the summer there as _locum
tenens_, and was now proceeding to assume the charge of his own post,
Fort Vermillion, where we arrived on the 1st of September.

This post is agreeably situated on the right bank of Peace River,
having the river in front, and boundless prairies in the rear. The
Indians attached to it are designated Beaver Indians, and their
language is said to have some affinity to the Chippeweyan. This is,
however, the only point of resemblance between them. The Beavers are
a more diminutive race than the Chippeweyans, and their features bear
a greater resemblance to those of the Crees. They are allowed to be
generous, hospitable and brave; and are distinguished for their strict
adherence to truth.

Most Indians boast of the murder of white men as a glorious exploit;