CHAPTER XX.

Mammals of the North-West.

Introduction-Enumeration of the Carnivora, of the Ungulata, of the Chiroptera, of the

Insectivora, of the Rodentia-The American Panther, its General Appearance and

Range The Canadian Lynx, its Description and Distribution-Hunting on Peace

River-Foxes, Anecdotes Respecting them-Wolves-The Coyote-The Grey Wolf,

his Habits-Occurrence on the Plains-When easily Taken-Anecdotes Illustrative of

their Cunning and Tenacity of Life-Pine Marten and Fisher-Wolverines, the

Enemies of the Trappers-Anecdotes of the Wolverine-Mink and Otter-Skunks-

Eaten by Hunters-Badgers and their Habits-Danger of Riding on Horseback-

Mode of Killing Badgers-Notes on the Black Bear-Their Habits-The Terrible

Grizzly-Fears of the Indians on Peace River-Nearly all Carry Scars Inflicted by Bears

-Description of One Killed at the Hand Hills-Indian Woman Killed by a Grizzly—

The Cabree or Prong-Horned Antelope-Black Tailed Deer-Wapiti or American Elk,

its Distribution-The Moose-Hunting Moose an Art-Starvation on Peace River in

1875-Caribou Found in the North-Hunting on the Barren Grounds—The Rocky

Mountain Goat-Description of It-Hunting in Bow River Pass-The Big Horn or

Rocky Mountain Sheep-Measurement of their Horns-Musk Ox of the Barren

Grounds-Its general Appearance and Habits-Warmth of its Covering-The Buffalo,

its Distribution-Wood Buffalo on the Athabasca-Their Present Scarcity-Buffalo

Hunting in the Past-Mode of Camping in the Indian Country-Mode of Running

Buffalo-Exciting Scenes-The Charge, Conflict and Pursuit-The Buffalo Pound in

Former Days-How the Indians Slaughtered the Buffalo-Doctor Hector's Account-

Moles and Shrews, Rich Soil where they Are-Gophers and Prairie Dogs, their Habits

-Mode of Catching Prairie Dogs-Beaver-Stories Related of their Instinct-Con-

struction of their Dams-Beaver Houses-Their Construction-Muskrats, their Num-

bers and Habits-Character of Country they Inhabit-Muskrats as Weather Prophets

-The Foolishness of the Prophets-How the Muskrat Builds his House-Pouched

Gopher and Jumping Mice-Porcupines and their Habits-The Prairie and Woodland

Hares Great Numbers of the Latter-Rocky Mountain Hare.

CHAPTER XXI.

Birds of the North-West.

Large Numbers Breed in the Country-Enumeration of Singing Birds-Notes on the

Thrushes, Warblers, Swallows, Finches-Prairie Birds-Peculiarities of the Cow-bird

-Blackbirds a Great Nuisance-The Fly-catchers, Enumeration of the Species-

Night Hawks, Humming Birds, and Woodpeckers-All these are Forest Species-

Range of the Humming Birds-Hawks and Owls-The Owl of the Prairie-Hawks

very Beautiful and Abundant-Their Habits-The Wild Pigeon-Prairie Chicken,

Ptarmigan and Grouse-Enumeration of the Waders-Numerous both in Species and

Numbers-Plover-Avocets-Godwits-Sandpipers and Snipe in Myriads—Bitterns

and Cranes often Numerous-Enumeration of the Ducks, Geese, and Swans-Their

Breeding Places-Notes on the River Ducks-Countless Myriads in the Fall-Game

B

Birds Around or in a Pond-A Common Sight-How to Procure a Supper-The Mer-

gansers or Sheldrakes-Pelicans, their Habits and Breeding Places-Their Modes of

Fishing-Gulls and Terns-Very Abundant on the Larger Lakes-Their Summer

Haunts-Loons, Grebe and Dab-chicks-Habits of the Grebe-The Great Western

Grebe-Synoptical Table of the Birds-Notes on the Prairie Birds-Birds near Bran-

don in 1880-At Flat Creek-At Moose Mountain-Souris Plain-Around Salt

Ponds Multitudes of Ducks and Prairie Chickens-Taking to the Stubble Fields--

Notes on the Hawks--On the Owls-On the Gulls.

CHAPTER XXII.

Notes on Reptiles, Fishes, and Insects.

List of Reptiles-Snakes in Spring and Autumn-Gathering of Snakes at Livingstone-

Snakes in Bullrush Lake-Fishing for Siredons-Rattlesnakes-Lizards-Toads

and Frogs-List of Fishes-The Perches-The "Dore "-Carp Family-Their Great

Numbers-Not Considered Good Food-Dried for Dogs and Bait-The Pike or Jack

Fish-Its Habits-The Cat Fish-Salmon Family-Arctic Salmon-Mountain Trout

-Arctic Trout-Anecdotes-Bow River Trout-White Fish-Their great Value-

White Fish in the Prairie Region-In the Forest Region-West of the Mountains-

The little White Fish or Herring-The Gold-eye-Fishing for Gold-eyes in the

Rivers of the Prairie-Western Pickerel-Its Value-The Loche or Burbot-The

Sturgeon-Fish Supply of the Saskatchewan Valley and Prairie Country-Qu'Appelle

and Long Lake Fisheries-Notes on Insects-Butterflies of the Prairie-Myriads in

June-Absence of Moths-Coleoptera or Beetles-Grasshoppers and their Allies—

Grasshopper Plague-Its Causes and Prevention-Conclusion.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Minerals of the North-West.

Boundary of the Laurentian Series-Lower Silurian Rocks-Limestone at the Stone

Fort near Winnipeg-Building Stone of Winnipeg-Devonian Series along Lakes

Manitoba and Winnipegoosis-Salt Deposits in these Rocks-Pure Salt Collected in

1881-Description of the Manufacture of Salt on Lake Winnipegoosis-Devonian

Rocks on Peace River-Gypsum, Salt, and Petroleum-Gypsum on Peace River-

Salt Springs of Salt River-Tar Springs on the Athabasca-Cretaceous Series-Its

Extension-Limestone and other Boulders-Gravel and Sand-Niobrara Limestone-

Souris Coal Field-Coal in the Peace River Country-Lignite Tertiary-Its Probable

Extension-Coal Deposits of Immense Extent-Pure Hematite in connection with

the Coal-In the Saskatchewan Country-At Edmonton-Along Peace River-Its

Probable Value-Gold on the Saskatchewan-On Peace River-Gold Washing Seldom

Remunerative-Brick Clays-Their Great Value and Probable Extent-Concluding

Remarks.

CHAPTER XXIV.

History of the North-West, from the discovery of America

to the year 1821.

First Voyage of Jacques Cartier-What he Intended Doing-Second Voyage-The Dis-

covery of the St. Lawrence-Montreal Reached-Roberval's Attempt at Settlement-

His Want of Success-Champlain Founds Quebec, in 1608-Interferes in Indian

Quarrels-Lake Superior heard of, in 1615-Missionaries Traverse its Shores, 1641-

Frenchmen Cross by the Dawson Route and Lake Winnipeg to Hudson Bay, in 1666—

Offers of Service to the Quebec Merchants, Renewed in Paris, Accepted in England-

Gillam's Voyage-Formation of Hudson's Bay Company, in 1670—Establishment of

Forts on the Bay-Quarrels with the French-English Left in Possession of the Bay-

French Trade Extended Westward-Duluth on Lake Superior-Red River Reached

and Forts Erected, 1732-Fort a la Corne Reached, before 1763-Cession of the Coun.

try-Canadian Traders in the West-Hudson's Bay Company move Inland, in 1774—

Canadians in the Interior Nearly 100 years Before them-The Athabasca Reached by

the Canadians-Hudson's Bay Company Reach Red River, in 1793-The Trade open to

all Parties-Formation of the North-West Company, 1783-Fort William, on Lake

Superior, their Head-quarters-Quarrels with the Hudson's Bay Company-Lord Sel-

kirk Buys Shares, gets Control of the Concern, Obtains a Grant of Land, and Attempts

Settlement-The North-West Company Deny his Right to the Land, and Claim Prior

Rights-They Publicly state their Determination to Fight-Counter Preparations by

the Hudson's Bay Company-Settlers Leave for Canada, in 1815-Arrival of Governor

Semple-Preparations to Expel the North-West Company-Both Sides Prepare for War

-Forts Gibraltar and Pembina Taken by Semple-North-West Property Confiscated

-Red River Blockaded-Attempt to Provision the Boats-Governor Semple Interferes

and Loses his Life-Hudson's Bay Company Account of the Fight-Opposite Account-

Apathy of the British Government before the Fight-Warned Repeatedly by the North-

Westers-Lord Selkirk's Preparations-Takes Possession of Fort William-The Colony

Re-established in 1817-Troubles with the Grasshoppers-Union of the Companies

in 1821.

CHAPTER XXV.

History from 1821 to 1870.

Arrival of the Swiss-Settlement of the old Hudson's Bay Company's Servants-Terri-

ble Winter of 1825-Disastrous Flood of 1826-Emigration of the Swiss-Red River

Colony Prosperous-Sir George Simpson's Policy-Attempts at Various Industries-

Sheep Farming-Cause of Failure-Lord Selkirk's Title to the Land Reverts to the

Hudson's Bay Company-Farming Tried on a large Scale-Schools Established-

Everything Done to Prevent Successful Farming-Half-breeds Frighten the Com-

pany-The Council of Assiniboia Formed-Duty Imposed on Imports and Exports—

Regulars Sent into the Colony-People Petition for their Rights-They take the Law

into their Own Hands and Trade becomes Free-Red River Flood of 1852-Captain

Palliser's Expedition-Expedition under Dawson and Hind-Arrival of Dr. Schultz-

The Nor-Wester Established-Hudson's Bay Company's Opposition-The Dominion

Established-A Demand made for the North-West Territories-Country Systemati-

cally Be-littled-Bishop Taché's Book-He sees no Good in the Country-Purchase

of the Territory-Steamboat on Red River-Dr. Schultz Imprisoned-The Power of

the Company Broken-Portage la Prairie-Grasshopper Plagues-Canada Takes Steps

to Acquire Possession of the Country—Conflicting Interests-Mutterings of the Storm

in the Fall of 1869-The Claims of the French Half-breeds-Surveyors Stopped by

Louis Riel-Hudson's Bay Company and Roman Catholic Fathers Decline to Interfere

-An attempt at Independence-Fort Garry given up to Riel-Governor McTavish's

Explanation-His Evident Complicity with the Rebels Almost Admitted-His Child-

like Simplicity-O'Donohue Joins the Rebels-He Introduces the Fenian Element-

His Letter to the Canadian Government-Bill of Rights drawn Up-The Movement is

seen in its proper Aspect-Canadians Attempt to break Riel's Power-Their Imprison-

ment-Murder of Scott-Arrival of Bishop Taché-Riel changes from a Wolf to a

Lamb-Fenian Flag Pulled Down-Arrival of Colonel Wolseley with his Troops, and

Flight of Riel and Lepine-Conclusion.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Ten Years' Reminiscences and Notes on the Various

Settlements and Villages.

Purport of the Chapter-Manitoba and Winnipeg as They Were in 1872-Grasshopper

Plague-Crop of 1875-Stage Ride in the Winter of 1875-Disappearance of the

Grasshoppers-Settlements Extend to the Second Plateau-Nelsonville Founded-

Wet Seasons Commence-Many Observers Condemn the Country-Rapid City Com-

menced in 1878-Land in the Neighborhood Rapidly Settled-The Assiniboine

Ascended to Fort Ellice in May, 1879-Crowds enter the Country East of Fort

Ellice-Birtle Founded-Rock Lake Settlement-Winter of 1879-80-Odanah and

Minnedosa the Rage in the Spring of 1880-Grand Valley Comes into Notice-

Stiff-necked and Soft-hearted Immigrants-Mosquitoes Prove too Much for Them

-English Ideas of Canadian Kindness-Canadian Notions Regarding Englishmen's

Inability to Fall in with the Ways of the Country-No Stealing on the Plains

-Settlements North of Birtle-Formation of the "Syndicate"-The "Boom" at

Portage la Prairie-Winnipeg and Emerson take the Fever-Route of the C.P.R.

Changed in the Spring of 1881-Brandon Founded on the Assiniboine-Vigor of

the Syndicate-Railway Opened to Brandon-Speculation at Fever Heat-Conflict-

ing Statements Regarding the Country-Short Notices of Selkirk, Emerson, Portage

la Prairie, Morris, Brandon, Rapid City, Minnedosa, Odanah, Birtle, etc., etc.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Description and History of Winnipeg.

Position of Winnipeg-Fort Rouge-Fort Selkirk-The Founders of Winnipeg-Winni-

peg in 1870-Railway Surveys-Pembina Branch-Winnipeg the Outlet of the Inter-

ior Trade-The "Boom" in 1881-Statistics of the Trade of Winnipeg-Enumeration

of the Chief Buildings-Present Area of the City-The Business Corporations-City

Schools-Former Trade with Winnipeg-Contrasted with the Present-Railway

Grounds and Offices-Postal Facilities Past and Present-Leading Societies—The

Press of Winnipeg-Agricultural Society-Extracts from Lord Dufferin's Speeches-

Geographical Position-Rivers and Lakes of Canada-Mennonites and Icelanders-

The Future of the City-Appearance of Winnipeg to a New-Comer-How Business

is Transacted-Preponderance of Males-Occupation of the People-Their Steady

Habits.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Churches and Schools in the North-West.

[A CHAPTER WRITTEN BY G. M. GRANT, D.D., PRINCIPAL OF QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY,

KINGSTON, ONT.]

First Settlers in Manitoba Presbyterians-Their Piety-Attachment to the Church

of their Fathers-First Anglican Missionaries-Their Zeal and Prudence-High-

land Tenacity-Arrival of Rev. John Black-Kildonan Church-Roman Catho-

lic Missions-Establishment of Churches and Schools by Missionaries from the

Church of England-Rupert's Land Divided into Four Dioceses-One Episcopal

Church for Canada-Methodist Missionaries-Rev. George Macdougal-Rev.

George Young-Methodist Churches in Winnipeg-Missions of the Presbyterian

Church-Knox and St. Andrew's Churches-A Common Mission Board for the

Protestant Churches Required-First School Act-Its Provisions and Amendments

on it-Educational Development-Difficulties Caused by Sparse Settlement-High

School Work-Colleges-St. Boniface-St. John's-Manitoba College-Manitoba

University-Harmonious Co-operation in it of all Churches and Colleges-Happy

Solution of Difficulties Considered Insuperable Elsewhere-Omens for the Future.

ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSIONS, by Archbishop Tache's Secretary-Missions of St. Boniface-

East St. Boniface-Colleges-Charitable Institutions.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Indians of the Prairie and the Forest.

The Intention of the Chapter-Extinction of Indian Titles-Enumeration of Different

Indian Treaties-Location of the Lands Ceded-General Terms of the Various Treat-

ies-Indian Characteristics-Former Habits-Horse Stealing no Crime--Considered a

Virtue and still Indulged in-How Conducted around the Cypress Hills in 1880-How

I Saved my Horses-The Union Jack Versus the Stars and Stripes-Settlers need have

no Fear-Indians and their Occupations on Lakes Manitoba and Winnipegoosis—Food,

Game, and Furs-Potatoes and Garden Vegetables-Indian Reserve at Fort Pelly-

Cote's Medal-Reasons for Marrying more than one Wife-Minnesota Sioux-Gener

ally Hard Working and Peaceable-Plain Crees—Their Feuds with the Blackfeet-

Extract from Palliser-Peace made Ten Years Ago-Big Bear-His Desire for Better

Terms-The Wood Crees-Quiet and Industrious-The Chipweyans as Farmers-Food

of the Indian Tribes-The Assiniboines-Anecdotes Regarding their Peculiarities—

Conclusion.