OF THE FUR TRADE, &c. xiii

be extirpated. There is not, perhaps, a finer country in the world for
the refidence of uncivilifed man, than that which occupies.the {pace be-
tween this river and Lake Superior. It abounds in every thing neceflary
to the wants and comforts of fucha people. Fifh, venifon, and fowl,
with wild rice, are in great plenty; while, at the fame time, their fubfift-

ence requires that bodily exercife fo neceflary to health and vigour.

This great extent of country was formerly very populous, but from
the information I received, the aggregate of its inhabitants does not ex-
ceed three hundred warriors; and, among the few whom I faw, it ap-
peared to me that the widows were more numerous than the men.
The rackoon is a native of this country, but is feldom found to the
Northward of it.

The other branch is called after the tribe of the Nadawafis, who here
go by the name of Affiniboins, and are the principal inhabitants of it.
It runs from off the North-North-Weft, and, in the latitude of 514. Welt,
and longitude 1031. rifing in the fame mountains as the river Dauphin,
of which I fhall fpeak in due order. They muft have feparated from
their nation at a time beyond our knowledge, and live in peace with

the Algonquins and Knifteneaux.

The country between this and the Red River, is almoft a continual
plain to the Miffifoury. The foil is fand and gravel, with a flight
intermixture of earth, and produces a fhort grals. Trees are very
rare; nor are there on the banks of the river fufficient, except in
particular {pots, to build houfes and fupply fire-wood for the trading

eftablifhments