44. Sir ALEXANDER MACKENZIE

corn (this must have been brought from
beyond Grand Portage, as none was then
grown in the North-West); these, however,
were to be used only as emergency rations,
and they relied normally on the fish and game
which they secured on the way. There were
also a bale or two of trade-goods, for use as
presents “to ensure us a friendly reception
among the Indians,” arms and ammunition,
tents, fish-nets, and spare clothing. The
canoe, fitted with mast and sail, was probably
larger than those in ordinary use in the
interior, as it carried eight people and their
belongings. Another canoe, in charge of
Leroux, a clerk of the Company, went with
them on a trading mission as far as Great
Slave Lake, and carried a part of their sup-
plies.

Mackenzie’s party was carefully chosen.
His five voyageurs were men of sterling worth
whose endurance was tried to the utmost
without complaint. The Indian wives of two
of them helped to work the canoe, made the
foot-gear for the party, and were useful in

camp. The English Chief had been “one of