192 Mackenzie’s Voyages

information respecting the route to the Fraser by way of
the Pack, McLeod Lake, Crooked River, and Giscome
Portage, it is not likely that Mackenzie would have deviated
from the Parsnip, which to the ordinary eye was the main
river, and most likely to carry the traveller the longest
.distance towards the Fraser.

Finlay Forks was reached on Sunday, and the rapids
passed without any difficulty. These may be run by good
canoemen though it is usual to land on the north bank and
portage about two hundred yards. The canoe is often let
down by line, though there is one point of rock at the lower
extremity which requires care in rounding. “Considered
separately the Parsnip and the Finlay partake of the nature
of mountain streams, but when they combine there is at
once apparent a more placid aspect. It seems appropriate
that the river should bear its distinguishing name from the
confluence to its junction with the Slave.

“Turning east it flows through the gorge of the Rockies
under the shadow of Mount Selwyn. The scenery is mag-
nificent, and for three hours while drifting through at six
or eight miles an hour the traveller is more or less in a maze
from a sheer surfeit of grandeur.

‘From the summit of Mount Selwyn (6220 feet) the Peace
may be seen flowing eastward under bridges of mist, a mighty
river, a full vertical mile below, meandering in majestic
curves through a mountainous trough that leads to the
prairie lands of Alberta. In every direction range after range
extends, somewhat softened by purple mists, an impressive
panorama of ‘billows standing rigid in the last convulsive
grimace of the earth’s crust.’

“In years to come a great national park will include
Mount Selwyn and its picturesque environs in a near-at-
hand playground for the future citizens of the large city