Volume 1

408 STORM-BOUND—MOUSE RIVER CROSSED.
far as their lines would allow. We were anxious lest their
fetters might give way, as, if any went astray, it would not
be easy to find them amongst such numerous herds of
buffalo. We had some hunters that did not mind the noise
in the least, except to prick up their ears and appear eager
for the chase.
Atig: 2d. The storm continued, inducing us to lie quiet'
for the day. We shot some buffalo and brought in plenty
of
good meat.
Sunday, Aug. ^d. The rain having ceased, we loaded,
and began our march. At ten o'clock, after having
ascended and descended many hills and dales, and crossed
three small rivulets, we came to Riviere la Souris, which
runs here from E. to W.; * the water was very high. We
waded through up to the armpits, carrying our baggage on
our heads, at the shallowest place we could find. Having
got everything over by repeated trips, we untied and spread
out our baggage to dry, which kept us here until late in the
afternoon. The place where we forded the river is about
lo leagues lower down than where we crossed it in going
to the Missourie ; it is pleasantly lined with large wood of
almost every kind this part of the country produces ; and
is well stocked with large game, which renders it a delightful
situation for a savage nation. Beaver formerly were
plenty also, but they are getting very scarce ; a few
vestiges only are to be seen. The proximity to the Sioux
country will for many years keep this place stocked with
animals, as the Assiniboines and Crees dare not camp here
during- the summer and remain but a short time in winter.
At four o'clock we had loaded our horses and were
ascending the banks ; and having got to the plains we
directed our course N. E. We pushed on as fast as pos-
* A mistake, if Henry means anything more than an east-west course of the
river, without regard to its flow. The water is here running from W. to E.
(approximately), before turning gradually northward. Places in the vicinity are
now called Mouse River, Echo, and Pendroy. Henry is nearest the first of
these.