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Turcot 1890 TO THE PRESIDENT OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE TOURILLI FISH AND GAME CLUB The question having come up several times, as to what was. really the value and extent of the limits under the control of this club on the St. Anne and Tounll- Rivers and their Tributary waters, it became necessary that a competant surveyor be engaged to make a report thereon as this would have incurred great expense and perhaps but little satisfaction, our secretary agreed to pioneer the club through this barrier of doubt, and, succeeded in orga- nizing an Expedition, which shall be known in future a the St. Anne and Toiirilli Exploring Expedition. This expedition had in view, to get an insight of our limits, their accessibility, the advantages to be derived on the future visits of our members to these parts, also tne laying out of trails, and canoe depots, and choosmg sights for building camps. . , , , . To accomplish our object we decided that our course should be up the St. Anne River to its source. By cross- ing the chain of Lakes, strike the source of the Tour.lli, thence down the latter River to the Lake Jambon Trail, cross the chain of Lakes through by Lake Jambon to the St. Anne, run the Big Rapid and reach the club House where our journey was to end. The choice of companions for such a trip as this, was not easily surmounted, there must be perfect harmony, on such trips as this one proved to be. — 4 — My friend and tried companion of many excursions K. A. Panet, our worthy vice-president, was the first to offer to join me in my task, but, unfortunalty had to with- draw owing to press of business. The next applicant was Mr Richard S. Harvey, Esq., of New York, Attorny at Law, a member of our committee and by experience a pleasant companion. My young friend C. H. Carrier also a member of this club, and who had made up his mind to to join me on whatever outing I may take, was the last to form the nuclus of the party. To find four guides on whom we could depend for such an adventrous expedition, was also a task which required some consideration. Xavier Laveau, a trapper over this region for more than 35 years, throughly acquanted with the St Anne and all its Branches and Lakes, the upper Tourilli being also his hunting ground, such a guide, and, hold ;'g the ex- cellent reputation which Xavier enjoys, was of great value to the party, and, my ist choice. Alexandre Vezina, Was my next choice, his old time experience with us as a guide, and, his knowledge of the Lower St. Anne and Tourilli Rivers, over which he hunts in winter, guaranteed us another famous good guide. Joseph Juneau, Who was most anxious to be of the party, in consequence of the many pleasant trips made with me, was my next choice, his jovial character and good will won him a place amongst our guides. SiGEFROlD Martel, Was the fourth and last choice to fill our complement of guides, he has been known to me since a long time, by reputation, and his robust frame and determined countenance, immediatly won for him a place amongst our guides, he was the man I wanted, brave, strong and willing. Having concluded all our arrangements, by having our provisions forwarded ahead of us, by our club caterer Mr. Pelletier of St. Raymond, who keeps a stock of fine groce- ries for our special benefit. We ni. w concent* ate our party at St. Raymond '" - the morning of the i6th September, at which place we arrive at lo a. m., by the Lake St. John Express. Our teams are in readiness and await orders to start, all our dunnage is quickly gotten together, and with the hearty, wishes of our friend Panet and our I 5 few but charming Lady friends, the E''Pl°""Kj;7;'l'^ tion makes a break for the Umd of promise. V\ e reach the Club House at 2 p. m., and receive a jovial greeting from to Hon. Henry K. Boyer and his friend and guest . Mr. John A. Glenn, both of Philadelphia, Mr. Boyer being State Treasure, for Pennsylvania, they have been en oying a few days outing on the Lower St. Anne and in spite of Mr. Boyers- ill health, pronounce themse ves delighted, .nd, much interested in the success of this Expedition. ;*. ; -^Uf. rr^-x A hearty luncheon is now put before us, it i.. the crea- tion of our Honorable friend, and, was soon stowed away at the place where all good lunches should be : Our ^guides are busy raking up our /«,^^'; .^^e c ub places at our disposal. 2 light tents 2 sm .rt looking birch bark canoes, and a complete camp kit. The order to n;arch was just about to be given, when a halloa, from the road below. '^""«""^'^;^^^7'';;;^' ,^„t^ John VV Mason and his party, so jovial and pleasant do hey seem, that my ist Lieut, and I decide to spend our last night amongst civilization. Another objection had present^ed itself, our 2nd lieutenant had not answered the Roll Call, but we had every reason to believe that the morrow would see him amongst us. , , . A.f.r the A more pleasant evening 1 never spent and 1 dety tne Angling Fraternity to produce eight more J oval compa- nions than sat around the board of the Tounlh Club that evening after cards and a most amusing selection of good stor ef we resort to a " Noble Hot Scoth " all round, and retire to our couches to dream of trout of enormous pro- portions and caribou and bears who chew "P our bee^ mocassins at the door of the tent, such were the visions which present themselves to us. the last night we sleep on a good spring bed. WEDNESDAY, 17th SEPTEMBER ' We are roused up this morning at 5 o'clock by un- usual animation in front of our house, the imaginary bear proves to be none other, than my 2nd lieutenant C. H. Carrier, who having taken the C P, R- "^g^t tr^/^^ Pont Rouge has driven 36 miles during the night so as to catch up to us. As he feels fresh and in good condition the — 6 — Le Reveille is soundod.and is soon followed by the Breakfast Call, this important necessity over, the Roll is called and rafter a ^reat deal v)f shaking of hands ^nd good wishes, the main portion of our party shoulder their packs and with light heart and steady pace we tramp off amidst a thun- der of cheers from the friends we leave behind us, most of our dunnage is coming up stream in the canoes, it is now 8 a. m. we soon leach Carriers Pool, where we are soon joined by the canoes which firry us accross to the trail on the opposite bank, wc are now 3 miles up stream, and soon get moving again, the Lake Cimon Discharge is now reached and our men change duties, two going up in the canoes, and arrange to meet them at Genesse River which we cross at 12 o'clock, we partake of a light lunch, the remaining distance to the head of the rapids is but a song, here we are compelled to await our guides who were to fellow after charging duties, my rod is soon put together, and, I decide to tempt the uncertanity of fate, in getting a monster trout, after many unrewarded casts, the above mentioned Mastadon did not put in an appearance, but a flash in the air, and, a swirl on the water, followed by the singing of my reel, called my attention to the fact that the tug-of-war act was going on full blast, a des- perate fight of 15 minutes, overpowers this nnny fiend, a few seconds more and he drops into the net an exhausted victim, but, oh ! what a prize, he touched the scales at exactly 3 lbs i oz. The waters had been much disturbed in killing this fish in consequence of our not having a landing net in our boat, and being obliged to fight him all the way down stream to the landing where the prize was saved in the nick of time by Sigefroi, we therefore decide to leave the pool to M. Mason and party who have just reached here. Meanwhile our vanguard have gone forward in order to have camp in readiness for us, on the arrival of our canoes. The birch barks have had a tough trip up the Big Rapid, there being one man only in each, even then requiring much care in consequence of the rocks. In this respect our Gaspe Wood Canoes show great superio- rity over the Birch Barks getting up stream in at least half the time. About one mile higher up we find a good comfortable camp awaiting us, supper is soon dispatched wmfM -7 - and such sleep as can only be emjoyed in the bush, is our lot for the re:,t of tnat nijjht. N. B. The trails we have crossed so far, are all in gooa condition. THURSDAY, SEPTEMHKR 1 8th The Sun finds us anxiously awaiting its debut this niornintr, which take place only at half past 5 o'clock, the Reveille h^^ sounded, and a hearty breakfast portaken, it consists of Fried Trout and Bacon, Biscuits and Marme- lade a la Gregory and Tea and Coflee, which, nigrediants make a very good basis to work upon, we were soon step- ping Lward once more in good shape when the fresh tracks ot a very large caribou, setts ■ on the qui-v.ve we hewever could not satisfy our hn- '< ring for game, but keep in readiness should we meet hiw Mnrkhams 1 ool is reached at 10 o'clock but we are compel ed to await our canoes which reach he.e only at !:> o'clock A l.gh lunca and a good stiff walk, brings ue to the St. Anne balls lor 3 o'clock, we visit them awaiting the arrival of our canoes, they are weid and beautiful, by climbing the cliff on the right hand side, a good view of the fi-t four falls is o be obtained, it will well repay the risk and bother to try '^WeTr-'now so-ne 15 miles from the club house and all are in good spirits, at halfpast three o'clock our canoes a rive !nd cross us to the northern bank, where the trail be-ins it being about % mile below the falls, here the wo"k for which this Expedition is organized, practically begins, as from this point, hear-say, only has been our guide up to date, a short trail y, mile long leads to a ^ery beautiful falls, it was made at the beginning of the lummer in order to make them accessible and they should hv all means be visited. ^Our course runs off from this trail to the right, every man has his pack shouldered, the canoes to be returned Sr after the trail is made. Xavier leads the way and he cooly informs us as we labor through tangled bush that thi. is known as the 5 mile carry as rn explanation for the poor condition of the trail he states that until now it has been heir endeavour to leave these trails in the worst condition possible so as to discourage any one attempting — 8 — to intrude on their huntinf:^ grounds, his knowledge of these trails is consequently of great value to our party and we advance very rapidly under our heavy loads. The road is very m-ich on the incline as we advance, and pre- presently assumes the perpendicular, nevertheless courage and energy are not lacking, and to the surprise of all. we make a splendid run, of \J4 miles, when we halt to camp, as darkness is fiist coming upon us. The weather has been magnificent since our departure from the club house, \\fb retire fatigued but happy. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th Long before day breaks, upon us, our men are off for the canoes, on their way down they cut the trail, removing all obstacles to allow space to pass the barks. They reach camp at seven o'clock with their loads, break- fast is immediatly served and quickly disposed off, i canoe and I tent are left here to be returned for, and we are off once more. A notable fact at this high elevation is the total absence of hard wood trees, Xavierhas taken a good lead upon us, as he avances he clears a path for passing the Birch Barks we progress but slowly in consequence, nevertheless we make a much better run than we expected to do, and have but a short distance yet to make to reach the first lake, I consider it advisable to send all our men with the exception of Xavier back to our old camp, it is now 4 o'clock and they have just enough time to get under cover for the night, they will follow us up to-morrow with the other canoe and remaining baggage, meantime we continue our tran:p for another hour, when we suddenly break out on the borders of a remarkably pretty lake, the shorts are well marked with caribou tracks, consequently great silence is obsierved. but all in vain, the game did not put in appearance. All of us being pretty well played out we take a heaty meal and abandon ourselves to the arms of Morpheas. Henri my 2nd lieutenant has carried his pack of fully 60 lbs weight up hiil and down dale with a strong percentage of the former, and this can well be imagined as we are at present 2250 feet above the St. Anne River and 4200 above the sea. The trails get much better as we advance towards this lake, Xavier encourages us on by stating that our hardest work is now over, there — 9 — being no more long carries, and all of them being on level ground and over splendid trails, we consequently pass a peaceful night. Saturday, 20th September At day break, Xavier and I return about I mile, to pick up the packs left by the men, on their returning the eve- ning previous, rain is falling in torrents and the tramp is rather a damp one for such and early hour, we return lo Camp at 6.30 expecting to find breakfast in readiness for us, but instead find that my two lieutenants, have not yet got over yesterdays exertions, the Reveille sounded on my fife, soon brings them to thtir stumps, and as usual breakfast fetches them, our appetites are phenomenal since our 'bush work has begun. The first important ceremony since the advent of our trip now takes place. With the consent and approbation of our 2nd lieutenant, we proceed to ofiiciafly name this lake, after him, by affixing the fol- lowing inscription on the nearest and largest tree to the Lake. St. Anne and Touiilli Exploring Ex] 'edition September 20th 1890 This Lake sliall liereafter be known as LAK^ HENRY in honor of C. H. Carrier, Esq., of Levis, V. Q. ' One of the ofiicers of this Exploring Expedition Commander : Geo, Van Kelson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd '* C. H. Carrier. Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). '■' Sigefroi Martel, i Si j'ai froid). " Alex. Vezina, (Le Vison). '• Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). God save the Queen. Hats off and three cheers tor Lake Henry. Camp i§ struck and we joyfully take our places in the canoes. A good paddle for one mile and we reach the other end of the Lake. It is the first of the St. Anne chain of Lakes and is simply a tributary, its great elevation and meager communication with the St. Anne, make it entirely void 2 I — 10 — of fish, It is however an easy matter to stock it, and, will no doubt prove a boon in afifording fish to the hungry traveller on his arrival here. Its course is due North. At its uoper extremity we find a good trail which proves to be aJDout ^ of a mile long and in splendid conditon we have the good luck to come across a couvee of Ruffed Grouse about half way, after a few shots, we bag four, a few mmutes more, and we reach the ist of the St. Anne River Lakes proper, the weather its very threatening, and we conclude to await the arrival of our men before going on any fur- ther. Xavier joins us soon after with our canoe, my two lieutenants take a run over the lake in quest of fish or game, they soon spot several black ducks, but infortuna- tely could not get in a shot at them, on their return I, take a run down the discharge which proves to be the St. Anne River proper. Having travelled down for I mile. i am checked by the presence of a heavy rapid and from the rumbling sound of the waters conclude that the cham of falls begin their headlong course here, having noticed seve- ral breaks on the water, I try my chances at getting a mess for dinner, but the sudden appearance of Juneau on the pool, soon reminds me that the men have reached the camp, and, consequently I return, as my presence was needed. I find the men awaiting orders to sett camp. As Aavier advices this move as the best on account of our wet dothes and further prospect of rain, I immediately acceed to his exoerienced advice, and the tents are pitched, to the satWaction of all. The exertions of this days work are much soothed by the powers of a soup, composed of the four partridges, a good piece of pork, and, a portion of peas and dessicated soup, such a consomme was never made. A cold north wind has now sett in, and from all ap- pearances we are to have a cool night of it, but well hud- led up together, the three guiding stars of this expedi- tion repose in the arms of eachother. SUNDAY, 2 1st SEPTEMBER We wake up at day break this morning with the feeling that winter had suddenly struck us, and not a little sur- prised to find on poking my head out of the tent, that the ground is covered with snow. The mountains are capped n foT tlie winter. A cold ducking in the lake and a hot break* fast, have a most renovating effect upon us. To day being Sunday, one hour is devoted to prayers and religious devotions. . Ei<^ht o'clock and the expedition once more united are ready to tace whatever obstacles present themselves to our advance. By the unanimous consent of the party the the following inscription is placed on the nearest large tree to the trail. St. Aline and Tounlli Exploring Expedition Sept. 2lst 1890 This Lpke shall hereafter IrC known as LAKE GKOKGIANA in honor of Miss Georgiana Van Felson, sister of our Commander Exploring Expedition Commander : C.eorge Van Felson,. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd Lieut. : C. H. Carrier. ■Guides: Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). •« Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alex. V^zina, (Le Viton). ■" Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). God Save the Queen. Thr -e cheers and a tiger having been given, we take to our canoes and head up the lake our course being due north, it is I mile in length and y^ mile wide. At the upper end on the N. W. side we find the stream flowing into it to be quite navigable and follow up its course for y^ mile then crossing a small lake which we do not name, it being 1/2 mile long and perfectly round. At its north east- ern extremity we^find the stream to be navigable and follow up another >^ mile, when we break into a remarkably pretty sheet of water I % mile in length. Being anxious To go on, and chilled by the cold, we do not stop to name the lake At the southern extremity we again hnd a navi'-able stream, up which the canoes are headed, afler 3/ mile good canoeing, the rumblii g sound of fa ling water announces the close proximity of a Falls which we reach shortly after 12 o'clock. Our passage up this chain of streams has disturbed, millions -f trout, who dash from I — 12 — ii both sides of the canoes as we pass over their spawning' beds. On the right bank at the foot of the Falls (which are remarkably pretty) we find a trail, and make a short carry of not over one acre in length, A few minutes later, and we are once more in the canoes. Another stretch of still water is before us, and, as the fish are rising in great num- bers, a rod is soon put up, and, our longing for a cast amply satisfied, in a short time. So numerous and ravenous were the finny fiends of this pool that in 23 minutes no less than 54 prizes varying from ^ lbs to i '^ lbs in weight grace the bottom of my canoe, all smaller ones being put back in the water, after being carefully taken off the hook. As we had ample food for two good meals we continue up stream, and after I mile of splendid canoeing we reach the beautiful Lake St. Anne, the loveliest we had yet seen. We paddle down the lake for another mile, when, on a point, extending into the lake, i^ set n, a neat log cabin. On landing Xavier welcomes us with great pride to his winter abode for many years past, it is now 1.30 o'clock, and being Sunday we decide to camp here, and, enjoy a few hours, studying the surroundings. Our camp is soon sett and a hearty meal of Trout stowed away. My two Lieutenants under the guidance of Xavier are detailed to visit a chain of small Lakes east of the St. Anne, which are said to abound with caribou, and the num- bers of tracks seen are sufficient proofs of this fact. Our supply of trout has been seriously diminished by our last meal, I hardly dare say how many were consumed by myself and two lieutenants, so ravenous were we, not ha- ving had such a feast since we left the St. Anne and under such remarkable conditions, I decide to return to the pool of this morning prodigious catch, my good luck in none the less and in 1 8 minutes 30 fine fish fill my creel, this being sufficient provision, the canoe is headed for camp, which is reached just in the nick of time, to meet my officers who have returned after a pleasant but fruitless trip after cari- bou. The evening is spent listening to the account of some of Xaviers' adventures in these parts. MONDAY, 22nd SEPTEMBER A beautiful clear day is our lot for to-days run. At the request of my lieutenants T decide to return with Xavier — 13 — and lieutenant Carrier to the small Lakes, they had visited the evening previous, ^Ue first we name, after our taithtul guide with usual honor as follows : St. Anne and ToiiriUi Exploring Expedition September 22nd 1 890 This Lake shall hereafter be known as LAKE LAVEAU in honor of Xavier Laveau, one of our faithful guides Exploring Expedition Comraander : Geo. Van Kelson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S, Harvey. 2nd " C. H. Carrier. Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). " Sigefroi Martel, (Si J'ai froid). " Alex. Vezina, (Le Vison). " Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). The trail to this lake runs due N. E. from St Anne for V2 mile the next is % mile further North, at the request of our I St Lieut, we name it after one of his particular friends with the usual honors and inscription as follows : St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition September 22 1890 This Lake shall hereafter be known as .LAKEULLA in honor of Miss Ulica Dahlgren, of Washington, D. C Exploring Expedition Commander : Geo. Van Felson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd " G. H. Carrier. Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). " Sigefroid Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alex. Vezina, (Le Vison). «' Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). Our cTuide informs me that a chain of four more lakes lie North East of these, and, at but a short distance from each other from the numbers of fresh Caribou tracks on the trail he promises us certain game if we go on to them But our duty calls us back to camp, where another big treat of trout. Bacon and Biscuits a la Gregory-give us in- I — 14 -« ':i I I creased energy for a big days' work. Camp is struck and we now prcreed to officially name this lake, which by un- animous consent retains its former name, as, the following inscription ordains. St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition September 22nd 1890 This lake shall retain its former name LAKE ST. ANNE Exploring pjxpedition Commander : Geo, Van Felson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd " C. H. Carrier. Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). «• Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). «' Alex. V^zina, (Le Vison). *• Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). lily canoe is now headed up the lake, which runs due North and is 3y2 miles in length, it swarms with trout, and quite a number of ducks where seen, its surroundings are most favorable for caribou. On the Western side almost opposite our camp is the discharge of Lake des Is!es which is very large. Xavier tells me of innumerable lakes laying on all sides. After a pleasant run of over one hours, duration we reach the upper end of St. Anne where we find a splendid trail or carry five acres in length, which soon brings us to another pretty sheet of water, which we name with the usual honors and inscription as follows : St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition September 22nd 1890 This Lake shall hereafter be known as LAKE EMELIE in honor of Mrs A. B. Van Felson, Sister of our worthy 2nd Lieut. Exploring Expedition Commander : Geo. Van I'elson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd " C. H. Carrier. Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). " Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alex. Vezina, (Le Vison). " Jos Juneau, (La Belette). — 15 — The paddle over Lake Emelie to its Northern extre- mitv iV^ mile is soon covered, we find the trail, which is but%^ mile long ar.d in a few minutes places us on the banks r.f another Lake. Two small Lakes he c ose to Lake Emelie, one East and the other West of that Lake. We name the Lake on whose borders we no stand with the usual honors and inscription as follows : Ste. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition Sept. 22nd 1890 This Lake shall hereafter known as LAKE SIOUI in honor of Thomas e^ioui, jr, the well known trapper of the region Exploring Expedition Commander : George Van Pel son. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd Lieut. : C H. Carrier. Guides : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). «• Alexandre V^zina, (Le Vison). • ' Joseph Juneaa, (La Belette). 1 homas Sioui is Xavier's Brother trapper, our intention in naming these Lakes, is, that in future it may be known that thes? men have been the pioneers of this region ha- ving hunted it honestly for over 35 years Lake Sioui is i/, miles in length and lies due North and South, it is the head of the chain, of Lakes, tributary '' Cros'h\g''"a"carry a little over % mile in length from the Northern extremity of Lake Sioui, we ^^d a very large lake, which flows into the North Branch of the S. Anne, also our territory, its course is due East and West on which account is called by trappers Lake frav.rs we cross in our usual course due North at its lower or easte. n extremity, we have little time to visit it but find it to be 4 miles long, by y. to 2 miles^ wide and extremely beau- tiful, having entered a deep bay we head for the inlet, and there find the trail which still continues to be splen- did As my 2nd Lieut, is suffering from a severe, indiges- fion in consequence of overstocking himself with trout, we decide to take one hours rest. During this interval we pro- I! — 16 — ceed to officially name this Lake after my hardy ist lieute- nant, with the usual honors and inscription as follows: St. Anne and Tourilli ^2xploiing Expedition September 22nd 1890 This Lake shall hereafter be knov/n as LAKE RICHARD in honor of Richard S. Harvey, Ist Lieut, of this Expedition « and of the city of New-York, N.-Y., U. S. Exploring Expedition Commander ; George Van Kelson. Ist Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd Lieut. : C. H. Carrier. Guides : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). ** Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alexandre Vezina, (Le Vison). «• Joseph Juneau, (La lielettte). Long live the Stars and Stripes, God Save the Queen. A light luncheon is taken and we once more jihoulder our packs and step it out over the carry which is % mile Ic g and in fine condition, we break out on the boarders of a remarkably pretty lake with waters of a greenish hue, much as in lake Jambon, and surrounded by very high moun- tains, it is very deep and clear, this is the 1st ol the tribu- taries of the Tourilli River, in consideration of which we allow it to retain its name of lakp: tourilli its course is due Noiih and South, crossing it, w^ find that it is one mile in length, oui canoes are headed for its western extremity, where we find the trail leading to the next lake. To our great astonishment after but 100 feet long of trail we find ourselves on the banks of a very grand and magnificent lake, although it is getting late, and, we had made a big days travel we decide to at- tempt to reach the end in time to camp. After 4 miles steady paddling we reach the discharge or practically speaking the Tourilli River, here we find a good camping ground and after a hearty meal of bacon soup, broiled bacon, jam and camp made bread, we retire with great hopes of a speedy down trip. ilder great — 17 — TUESDAY, 23rd SEPTEMBER. 'Our men have started at day break with one cf the canoes to cut a trail to the next lar^je lake, there being no more trails m.ide they, expect to be away all day. As the weather is very cold and raining. I let my Lieu- tenants have a good sleep, and, try my hand at baking bread. To my great surprise my patience is rewarded by producing four fine brown loaves. I now rouse up my offi- cers who after indulging in a cold bath demolish one of my loaves at sight. As I had seen a flock of black duck in the bay this morning, we decide to visit the lake during the day, and find their hiding place. We discover the lake to be 5 miles in length, and from I Yz to three miles wide, it is well dotted with islands and has many deep Bays. Such a haunt for Fin, Fur and Feather can not easily be found, Xavier guarantees it to be all of these. At its lower extremity is a portage two miles long crossing two small lakes' and leading to the headwaters of the Metabetchouan River, which flows into Lake St John. A gentlemen, who was up that River at the same time as we were up here declares the he could plainly hear the report of our guns. Our trip around the lake has lasted all day and we reach camp pretty well tired out from paddling, to our mutual surprise our men have returned already and pronounce their trail to be finished, on further enquiry I find that they have had the good fortune to strike a caribou run which is so well beaten, as to afford a better trail than they could make. Putting my rod together, my 2nd Lieut, and I take a run over the 1st pool on the discharge of the Lake, not fifty feet below the lake. To our delight we land 30 lovely trout in 15 minutes from ^ lbs to \% lbs weight and averaging I lb, we consequently have a gorgeous meal of fried trout which with a good pea soup, is polished of as if we hid not eaten for ten days. After this perforjnance we are net long before retiring, so, as to be well rested for the morrows down trip. The weather has clear up and we have every hope of a fine day for the journey. 3 - 18 — WKDNKSDAY, 24lh SEI'TEMMER Bhrr! lihrr ! ! how cold this mot-ning, I call to Juneau for my beef mocassins, which he quickly hands in to- me, but horrors, a thick coatin'^r of ice covers their greasy surfaces, snow is falling in flurries and although the at- mosphere is remarkably clear and pure, nevertheless we find it too fresh. The Reveille is now sounded and my two lieutenants are roused up, but oh I how cold that New Yorker did find the tempemture, can be well nna- gined at that hour of the morning. A good hot breakfast soon warms us up, Camp is struck and vve head for the carry which is a short one, the wea- ther is very bracing for such work as ours, and we felt like racers. . . . . Before leaving this lovely Lake the foUowmg inscription-. is placed on the largest tree near the carry. Ste. Anne and TourilU Exploring Expedition Sept. 24nd 1890 This Lake shall hereafter known as LAKE GEORGE in honor of George Van Felson, our energetic commander Exploring Expedition Commander : George Van Felson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd Lieut. : C. H. Carrier. Guides : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). " Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alexandre Vezina, (Le Vison)* " Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). Three cheers and a tiger, and we embark to go down stream but only for % mile, a short carry now is crossed when we find more still water this crossed we enter a narrow Lake i ^ miles in length, which we fellow down, but, by a sharp rounding curve find that we are again travelling due North. The Lake we proceed to name with usual honors as follow : M 19 — d my 1 that 1 ima- \Si. Anne aa.l Tourilli Exploring Kxpetlition Sc'iitember 24n(l 1890 llus Lake shall hereafter he known at. LAKK M ARTEL in lionor of Sigefroi Martel, one of our faithful guides Exploriuf; Expedition Commander : (reo. Van I'elson. 1st Lieut. : Krchard S. ILarvey. 2nd " C. IL Carrier, iluide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). <• Sigefroi Martel, {Si j'ai froid) Alex. V^zina, (Le Vison). Jos Juneau, (La Belette). 4< At its northern extremity, we find the outlet or rather Tourilli River which we follow down for one mile, stop- pincx at the head of a rapid, we now begin the long carry ■and%houlder our packs and canoes, then step it out in good shape, a short distance was done, when we cross a large pool or Lake, during this crossing we are assailled by a blinding snow storm, which fortunatly ceases on our lan- dinr once more at the trail. Our next run is one mile m len-'th, we find the trail to be delightfully good, and no wonder, it is a perfectly beaten Caribou run It is abou four feet broad and trampled down as. hard as any xvcli xised road, for two miles the trails continue m these Ca- ribou Runs, the guides having only to clear the top bran- ches, to pass the canoes safely, the carry is over leve crround in its full extent, and, is intersected by two small ^ools or feeding grounds, the guides having seen Caribou at all of these the day provious, we apn.-oach the first pool much as a cat does a mouse. The excitement runs high when we notice fresh tracks in great numbers and not one hour old, we reach the pond at last, but no caribou is 10 be «en, but, to have had the time to stop there for an hour or two meant more game than we could wish for all around the Lake, tracks were to be seen so thick- '^-^ to lead one to suppose that a huge herd of cattle had been gra- zing there. The pond is not ]4 mile across and is sur- runded by a flat of moss, and, long grass fifty to a hundred feet wide, from all directions are to be seen caribou runs leadino- to it, some hardly ten feet apart. Xavier declares I ~ 20 — th'^t no less th\n thirty to forty caribou visit the spot daily, and had been no doubt disturbed, by the noise we made getting there. We again take to the most favorable caribou run, and,, were soon thinking of other plans, when two magnificent Caribou mukc their appearence before me, a very large male and, a female of good proportions, in a second my pack is on the ground, and I was about shouldering my rifle when my corpulant rst Lieut, stepped on a branch the crackling send of which scared them away at their usual headlong speed, unfortunally he had not seen the game, my dissapointment was great. My rifle a Winchester Re- peater 44 cal. had also played me a bad trick, for safety I had removed the cartridge from the hreech, consequently taking my chances at the animals as they dash through the bush the hammer falls but no report follows, I find out my mistake, too late. Two more ponds are crossed. Each having the same, extraordinary number of fresh tracks, but no game was to be seen. At 12 o'clock we reach a small Lake, which is at the erd of the long carry, awaiting our lunch we proceed to name it, with the usual -lonours and inscription as follows. St. Anne and Toorilli Exploring Expetlition Sept. 24th 1890 This Lake shall hereafter be known as LAKE JUNEAU in honor of Joseph Junean (La Belette). one of our faithlol Guides Exploring Expedition Communder : (Jcorge Van Kelson,. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd Lieut. : C. H. Carrier. Guides: Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). " Slgefrri Marte.!, (Si j'ai froid). " Alex. V^zina, (!■ \''Mn). * " Josepi, Juneau, (La Belette), Lake Juneau is about i mile long and very pretty we cress to its eastern extremity and find the discharge to be navigable. Two or more good sized Lakes lay to the N. W. of this lake, discharging into the latter at its western extremity, we paddle down the discharge for a short dis- — 21 — tance when we once more strike the Tourilli River, paddl- Uvj ,l,nvii il.'i waters for jA mile, when, we break mto a magnificent shtet of water. Rounding,' the obstructing n(M:k of land, we have a grand viewof che Lake in its full extent, it being to all api)earances as broad as it is long, measur- ing fully 5 miles in length, the mo-iutains surrounding it are most picturesque and the tout-ensemble forms a pic- ture which brings forth our admiration and astonishment, A good stiff breeze helps us across the lake to its southern extremity where we head for the discharge, on the largest tree at this point the following inscription is placed with special honors as follows. St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition September 24th i8yo This Lake shall heveaft^tr be krown as LAKE GREtiORY in honor of Commodore J. U. Gregory, the general President of the Club Exploring Ex ledition Commander : Geo. Van Felson. 1st Lieut. : kichard S. Harvey. 2nd " C. IL Carrier. Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). " Sigefroid Martel, (Si j'ai froid), Alex. V^ ina, (Le Vison). Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). God Save the (^ueen. Three cheers and a tiger, then down stream we go covering over two miles of still water and shooting two rapids. We now decide to camp and after much trouble find a suitable spot, a good supper envigorates us wonder- fully, consequently we retire in the best of spirits and great hopes for the morrow. THURSDAY, 25th SEPTEMBER How beautiful, but, oh ! how cold the morning is, a thick coating of ice is over our canoes, my mocassins have to be thawed out before I can manage to get them on. The Reveille being sounded, my two Lieutenants are roused up, the Washing Brigade fall in, and. a good cold ducking soon regulates the temperature of our bodies. << — 22 — The route no,v before us is a revclntion to the party, as we are all strangers to this part of our limits, even Xavier, having never gone below the discharge of Lake George. A curious fact is that since two days we have not feasted on Trout, but we can safely state, that the constant rises and excellent appearance of the river assures us grand sport, had we only the time to try our luck. As to the Lakes their is no doubt as to their being thickly stocked with Trout, as of these, we had, as goes the old saying " the proof of the pudding. " As to the River. Such beautiful and attractive pools I ha' e never seen, they are large and deep, and, the Trout, cannot find more splendid homes and feeding grounds than these. We commence a journey to-day by shooting a short rapid, and are again fortunate enough to find a stretch of two miles still water, the short rapids we meet are quite floatable with the baggage and two men in each canoe we soon strike a most difficult run however, but as there seems to be a good channel, we determine to try several, plans rather than carry, I propose to the men to try Cor- delling, a system I had successfully used on several occa- sions notably the ist Batiscan Expedition in 1S89. Cor- delling, consists in attaching a rope 80 feet long to the s'-.em bar of the canoe. Then letting out the rope, slowly pass the canoe from one rock to the other, each man as he is replaced, taking a position further on. The scheme is successful with us, and in a short time, we cover I mile of rapids, ar other stretch of still water is our good fortune which being covered, a rumbling sound, annonces the pro- ximity of a Falls, our canoes dash boldly across the head of these, and are stopped not 15 feet from the shoot. The men are ashore in a jiffy, and loose not a moment getting away with their axes to cut a trail, which is now ineve- table, mean-while grub.is prepairel and on their arrival three-quarters of an hour latter, a hearty meal awaits them, and being dispatched, our packs are deposited on their res- ing places (our shoulders). A good stiff carry, is before us, as the ground though down hill is much broken by large boulders, and crevices hidden by the moss, headers are the order of the day. The carry is .V| of a mile long at the bottom of which we find another stretch of still water of i miles length, a short but wicked rapid again — 23 — forces us to carry, once more to find still water for 1 1< miles len^rth, a shallow rapid is the only obstruction over this stretch but we get through safely and were about planning to cordelle down a small cascade when by the, hitercession of the Almighty, we go on to examine the rapid, while our men prepare the canoes. It was fortunate we did so, the river here takes the shape of a flume, not over 8 feet broad and running over, smooth rock, the velocity of the water is tremendous, and, in a series ot falls until it, finally ends by a great plunge from a height of some hundreds of feet, to a magnificent pool below Hid we got drawn once into that current we could not have avoided certain destruction over the falls, and con- sequently thank, d Providence for our prudence. Being close on 5 o'clock the men are ordered to pitch the tents and prepare camp, as darkness comes on early and without much notice. My Lieutenants and I start down to get a view of the Falls. After many hairs, breath escapes over, loose boulders rotten trees, down c ififs and ravines, we, finally reach the top of the falls. We stand spel bound on an enormous overhanging ledge of rock, below us for over one mile the river wends its wav in a series of rapids and pools. The valley m front of us is level for many miles, facing us an enormous mountain rises in a gentle stop to the height of sonje ^000 feet, the incline is thickly wooded with birch, mountain ask, spruce, and balsam, and a good few map.e trees '1 he blending of the many colored leaves ot this season have an enchanting effect, on either side of us the cliffs stand in their grandeur perfectly bare of all vegeta- tion, below us is a beautiful p.ol whose dark hued waters denote great depth, dashing past at our feet one ot the most imposing, and weird Falls, that man can gaze upon Add to this, the sunset of a cool September evening, and we have a picture which rive to us to the spot, we could not however feast our eyes very long on natures beauties as the fading sunset remaids us, that, we have but little time to get back to camp before dark, we consequently beat a hasty retreat arriving in the nick of time to hnd supper in readiners for us. My 1st Lieutenant has not yet returned but a puffing sound was wafted towards us, emitting from the bush in front, and we know he is com- ^fp- — 24 — ing In the explanation that ensued, I find that he has been to the foot of the falls having managed to scramble- down the clifif, in order to get the ist view from below. Supper over a good solid hot-scotch composed mostly of lemons, pain-kill ., hot water and sugar, is poured down our gullets, piping hot, after which we retire con- vinced that the morrow will see a big days work. FRIDAY 26th SEPTEMBER The sound of the woodmans axe, rouses us up this mor- ning, the men have been busy cutting a trail, they have been fortunate enough to find a passage to the pool below the Falls, by way of a dried up brook, breakfeast is polished off in quick style this morning, our provisions are running low and as no one knows how far we have to travel, we shall soon have to go. on rations. Biscuits a la Gregory are now a luxury ot the past, but as I shall not have to mention this delicacy again, for the benefit of fellows-members, I will give the recipe. BISCUITS A LA GREGORY Take for each two persons i Yz sailor biscuit (Hard Tack) let it soak over night, having collected the grease of our mornings bacon, let tuis be in the frying pan, over the fire but only enough to cover the bottom, lay m the bis- cuit in halves, and brown well, on both sides, season well. This done, lay on a thin coating o*" marmalade, and serve hot. Whoo ! ! ! exclaim both my Lieutenants when such a dish comes across their hungry gaze. A MACOUCHAM, This was another appetit satisfier it consists of a portion of all the eatables in camp. For instance— two partridges, one dozen of trout, a b'ack duck, one tin dessicated soup, and crumbs of biscuits, boil together for a few hours, and, season well, with a hashed up onion and any stray vege- tables such a dish will bring a dead Indian to life, where he three miles within scent of that pot, THE SPOONERS BED. For the benefit of furtur cr.mping parties at this season. I may state that, the first colds nap we had. Each man 25 — vege- where rolled in his own blankets, we passed a very c. .lly and miserable night of it, there being snow on the ground when we woke up next morning. At my proposition we formed a combine, which resulted in comfort and sound sleeps for the reminder of the trip, the plan is as follows. Two rubber sheets are spread over the balsam boughs, the largest pair of blankets streatched lenghtwi--e over these, the top half is then rolled down to the foot, Another pair is then placed across the undei part of the first pair, as in the first case the upper part is rolled down and the next blanket laid in an opposite direction, the upper blankets are then rolled out the one lengthwise being rolled on top This forms a perfect bag each blanket preventing the other from loosening, the third rubber sheet is "ovv placed over the foot of the couch, and, each one having filled his air pellow, wc proceed to slip in, one at a time but the space being narrow we get in spoon system, th;.t is to say, much as three spoons placed together, hence the appelation of the Spooners Bed. Which I guarantee to pioduce perfect comfort and protection from cold. I strongly advise every man who camps out to bring along a rubber sheet in his kit, it is indispensable in a hundred circumstances. Coming back to the expedition, we quickly break up camp and with a cheer we step out at a lively pace down the trail, and, how I got to the bottom of that cliff is a wonder to me, all I can tell, is that at one time, I was under the impression I had left the rear portion c^ the only pants 1 had left, hanging to a stray stump. A pack of from 60 to 80 lbs on ones back, is not a blessing at such times. However 1 got down, as did we all, even our canoes getting through without serious injury. Our gaze is immediatly turned towards the Falls, and what a sight, an involuntary exclamation escapes us ' Montmorency' ;^w^ certainly a more perfect Fac Simile of that celebrated Falls cannot easily be conceived, the surroundigs of these however add much to their beauty and in that respect surpass Montmorency. A close calculation brings their total height to 390 ^et the upper portion being in cascades ending up in one leap of over I So feet. A beautiful pool of most pecular formation forms a basis for them it being perfectly square on all its facei, a heap of large boulders, are amassed at the foot of the falls. Standing on these I try a few casts but was 4 — 26 — unfortunate enough to loose all the good ^f /^f ^ to my fly, the spray is blinding and drenched me to the bones. I'was no? l^^-.g before beating a hasty retreat and as the men seem anxious to go on I put ^J^^u^p^^^^ even triying the pool, where soomgood sized fi.h break the surlce occassionally, we now proceed to name these beau- ;rful"ails. with the usual honors, the fol ou.ng mscnpUo. being placed on the nearest tree at the foot of the traiL St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Kxpeditioa September 26lh 1890 This Lake shall hereafter be known as EXPLORERS FALLS in honor of the members of this Expedition Exploring Expedition Commander ; Geo. Van Kelson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey, 2nd ". C. H. Carrier. Guide t Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). •« Sigefioi Martel, (Si J'ai froid), •• Alex. Vezina, (Le Vison). • * Joseph Juneau, (La Belette). Our m( 1 having gone some distance ahead, to examine the rapfd returnlfter over one hour's absence, they have ascertains i that the river taking a long bend out of our ."s rough and the water low, it were best t^o crc^s the'^country to the still water t-o m,les do... A. the t.^ was over fairly level ground, and, we all feel ni pertcct o^dition for I tough'tran^, we adopt the.r P-PO- and cover the ground in less than 35 n^'tnites "^^withstanding ?hat the path was rough, as at one place we find a s riff c ir^b to get over the p^oint of a mountain. We all of us had o ks over 60 lbs in weight, which, considering the time a^compHshed is a convfncing proof of the splendid con- d tTon we all are in not a single man showing and sings o atigue or illness. We ascertain the proximity of ano- ?he falls 60 feet In height, and about i mile below Lx- '::erfalls. At the foot of these falls our men found Mr Tohn Nelson the Government surveyors, final post ot nis urvey on die Tourilli .r, being 25 miles from its junc- tion wi?h the St Anne, just above Carriers pool, from ex- — 27 h rose to the it, and,, ip, not eak the ,e beau- :riptiont traiL examine ley have t of our to cross the trail 1 perfect osal, and islanding id a striff of us had the time ndid con- nd sings iy of ano- elow Ex- ■ound Mr. )o.st of his a its junc- , from ex- tracts of Mr. Nelsons' report we find the high mountain which we ha-^ noticed on'the evening previous to be the Montagne c ■ .^-^es (Fairy Mountain) and is the highest in all the ' t u ^tian Range. ,.. , i ^ At the foot of the falls is the trail which leads to the Lake des Fees, which lies on the other side of the mountain it is I '/^ miles to the Lake, at the upper end of the trail are two small lakes, which are to be crossed, then following up the discharge, one breaks into a lake some 7 miles long indented with deep bays, the hsh here are reported to be very large. HavincT covered the last carry, we embark once more and have a good run over two miles of navigable water, at the end of which we enter a very pretty lake i % miles long and so pretty as to make us desire to name it, but as our time was now limited, and we know that every hour lost, is one more without provisions, we paddle on only stopping a few minutes to examine the discharge ot Lake des Fees, which empties into this lake, at its lower extremity, the sound of rushing wateis are a proof of its precipitous decent from its high elevation. We have the ^ miles in less ina we strike the Jambon trail, and immediately =ctt to '°X;ti:r'"bT;'baking our last bread, enough for sup- them all by ordering a pot of b°'l'"f "^^'^^ ^f^f^Vept a p^-ritror.t-:hfwfn^.Hk spirits for the morrow. SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER, • The morrow has come, there is but little time in pre- paring breakfast this morning, as it only consisted of he bJoth^f the lacon bones, boiled in one gallon of water Camp struck, we each of us imbibe a bowl of this dehcou abomination and prepare to make a dash on the home '' As had been arrange on the planing of the expedition wetave on'/of the canoes, here, there being also a good flat boat at this post. ezina s )ose no th the conse- ' rapid, •bstruc- st four, n time side of Dd sized Rivers, rs time, to work for sup- can find lid beef, a soup, itute the surprise ; in read- ly kept a I a couple igs of the ays, they ^s). These nbounded en up to splendid le in pre- ted of the of water. lis delicous the home expedition .Iso a good f — 31 — . We christian the place STARVATION Cami- and get away at a rattUng pace, the first mile tells on •'•; g'-^^t X as we travel on cMupty stomachs, but we soor. settle down Z the work withalvill and reach the first Lake m ashor time We make three carries on this run, and, notice many caribou tracks, Martel and I cross the canoe with ba-gage on this first Lake, which is one mile long and named by us with the usual honours and inscription as follows : St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition September 28lh 1890 This Lake shall hereafter be known as LAK^" VEZINA in honor of Alexander Vezina, Sr., one of our faithful Guides Exploring Expedition Commander : George Van Felson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey. 2nd Lieut. : C. H. Carrier. Guides : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). Sigefroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alexandre Vezina, (Le Vison). " Joseph Juneau, (La lielettte). The remainder of the party have tramped it around the 1 ake and join us at the upper end where we notice a very 1. ^e spanning bed of small Trout. Our packs are once mo^re placed, and in another good stifif run we cover two miles more of our journey bringing us to the borders of Uttle Jambon. We are ferried acros. the Lake in twopa - ties being of the first load I cross with the men immeuiatly to Lake Tambon, where Alex. Vezina is detailed to go around the Lake to our canoe depot and bring up a cLoe. by this means much time is saved in ferrying us to the o the^r side, meanwhile we proceed to name the lesser Jambon with thp usual honours and following inscription. St. Anne and Tourilli Exploring Expedition September 28nd 1890 This lake shall hereafter be known as LAKE ALEXANDER in honor of Alexander Laurie, Esq., our excellent Treasurer — 3'2 — Exploring Expedition Commander : Geo. Van Kelson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. ilarvey. 2nd " C. M. Caiiier. Ciiiide : Xavier l.aveau, (Xavier). " Sif^efroi Martel, (Si j'ai froid). " Alex. V^'zina, (l,e Vison). " Joseph Juneau, (La Uelette). The canoe having caught up to us we proceed to cross the beautiful Big Jainbon, arriving at our depot we leave our second canoe as per agreement of this expedition, we now proceed to name this lake with the usual honours and inscription as follows : St. Anne and Tourilii Exi)Ioring Expedition September 28th 1890 Thi.s Lake siiall in future be known as LAKE EDWARD in honor of E, A. Panet, Esq,, our worthy Vice President Exploring Expedition Commander : Geo. Van Kelson. 1st Lieut. : Richard S. Harvey, and " C. IL Carrier, Guide : Xavier Laveau, (Xavier). '• Sigefroi Martel, ^Si j'ai froid). '• Alex. Ve/.ina, (I-e Vison), '* Joseph Juneau, (La lielette). The party being once more united, we start down trail to the River, having already killed three Grouse on the way another plump one is added to our -bag as might have been many others, had we time to go after them. At last we are on the shores of the St. Anne but luck must be against us as we find the boat to be on the opposite bank. After considerable delay Martel managed to ford across, and commg up with the canoe, he then ferries 'Us down to the trail, the great bulk of our baggage is placed in the boat and Juneau is detailed to bring it down the Big Rapids. We make a dash for the trail and in one hour are standing on the borders of Carrier's Pool, which looked its best, a beautiful specimen of a Marsh Hazvk is brought down from its dizy height, by a shot from the Winches- — ;]8 — ter, but .IS sport is not food we determine to wade ■across at the head of the Rapids above the pool, rather than .iwait the arrival of the boat which will likely be some time coming, in consequence of the low state of the River. In a jiffy we are up to our waits in the cold water and ■glad were we reach terra-firma on the opposite bank. The road is now open to us, clear of all obstructions to the house, three mile, more, but oh ! such long miles they seemed to be, never have I found a road to long. I am leading with Martel close upon my heels we make a neck to neck race for the. hous-.-, the remander of the paity are soon out of sight, and in 30 minutes, we stand in, front of the nmch bonged for abode, the fust house we have seen since 13 days, it is a castle to us, and with a loud hallao ! we announce our presence to the members who b)- chance may be within. To our unboundec' joy the door is thrown open and the jovial countenance, of my friend and comi)anion (A ^ miles of trail in the shor: tmie of 6»^ hours, and this ui)()n em|)ty stomachs. ' Our expedition is now at an end, after a hearty sup- per together wc separate with hopes and wishes to meet next year on another expedition. Our teams being ready wc give three cheers and a tiger for the St. Anne and Tou'rilli Exploring Expedition, and start for St Raymond which is reached at 9 o'clock that evening. Tmeet with a hearty welcome at the hands of our friend I'anet, who although quite unwell rises to come and welcome, the man from the wilds as he called me, and of which I was a fit representative in the present attire. In closing my report, my officers and I beg to offer our thanks to those who supported us in our efforts to make the expedition a success, on it, depended much the future prosperity of the Club. Such reports as have been made I am sorry to say by a couple of our members after gomg over perhaps not the one hundredth the part of our limits is not encouraging to the advancement of the Club. It is gratifying to know, however, t' t upon a careful study of the reports given, together with the very chan- geable weather wc have experienced this summer, that we are second to no club in this Province, for the size, quality and quantity offish killed this season. Such a report as the present Expedition can give exposing to our members the beauties and the advantages of our territory will convince them that the statements made by the officers of the club as to the value of our Limits for fishing and hunting grounds are not only, not exagerated but not sufiicientely extolled. — 35 — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS The under mentioned Fur be.irinfj animals were either seen by us or unmistakable traces of their presence ob- served. Hears — Brown, very common specially on St. Anne River valley. Fox — Grey rare, seen mostly on the Lower St, Anne BliAViiK—seen on the upper St. Anne, common on the upper Tourilli where many huts are to be seen, specially In the vincinity o*" Lake des Fees, O r IKR — Same as Beaver. FisilKR — Seen on the Upper St Anne and Tourilli. Mink — Very abundant, all over the Limits. Lynx — Fairly abundant, all over the limits. MusKRAT — Very abundant, all over the limits. Carihou — Very abundant s[)ccially on the upper St. Anne and Tourilli Rivers, but seen frequently, as far down as the Club House. Moose — Scarce but seen at times on the upper lakes. Porcupine— Not seen, but said to be abundant. Weasel — Very abundant, all over the limits. Hare — Very abundant, all over the limits. Squirrel — Red only, very abundant. Our feathered friends of the palatable kind consisted of:— Ducks — These we saw on many occasions, on al! the iakes we found quantities of wild rice, and very attractive bree-iing grounds, some 15 species in all were seen. Ruffed Grouse — Very plentiful all over our limits, not a day passed that we did not see or hear numbers of them we however only shot those which happened to be in our trails, by this means we had Grouse nearly every day. With a i^ood dog at the latter end of October great sport is to be had. Canada Grouse or Spruce Partridge, were seen in large quantities but specially on the Upper Tourilli. Many specimens of birds I do not mention being either unknown or of little value such as hawks, gulls, king fishers, murganzer duck, loon or diver, etc., etc. Fish — Our attention was naturally given in gre^t part to the finny inhabitants of the waters visited by us, unfor- — ?A\ — Lunatly our time "was too limited to give our lakes ancf rivers 'a proper or even fair test, we cannot then take our catch as a precedent, the only times upon whicli my rod was put toL^ether, (thne times) bringin;^ us extraordinary catches, none being veiy large hut if we can depend, on. indications, and the class or species of trout taken on these occasions, as v^ell as the close proximity of many fine Trout Lakes not visited by us, to this add the decla- rations of several uninterested parties, we can then remain satisfied that we shall not be disai>pointed on these waters. There predominated but one species of fish throughout this region, notably (Salmo Fontinalis) Brook Trout, our waters'not being infested by that pest to the angler the Dace or Gudgeon which swarn in so many other lakes in fact we saw or heard of none. Formation— The formation of the country is very mountainous the country is too ruggeil to admit of culti- vation to any extent and we are certain to never be troubled on that scare by the sale of these lands for farm- ing purposes. ,. . , j-lMi!F,R— As a timber district we have little to fear fiom the ravages of the lumberman, as although the timber growth is extraordinary, there is little of any value above the Un\ or St Anne. The TouriUi, has some beau- tiful birch, but it shall never be of any value, it not being practical to get the logs out for the market. Scenery— Enough has been said and seen of the scenery on the lower St Anne to place it on the 1st rank of the beauties o nature in Canada. ' ; St Anne tails being unrivalled in this Province. A^ to the upper St Anne Region, the varying and beautiful scenery at every turn, togetherwith its continious chains of lakes in all di- rectiops^make it a perfect paradise for the sportsman. Still more beautiful and attractive are the Lakes of the Upper TouriUi with their bordering hills from looo to 3000 feet elevation. As to the TouriUi River and its Scenery here is a question more easily enjoyed than described, enough cannot be said of it beauties, suffice to say that with its turbulant and captivating waters, couple a mountain sce- nery and foliage more lovely than the St. Anne anJ. you have the TouriUi. 37 — New Leases — Having concluded during our Expedi- tion tliat many fine Lakes and Streams lay in close and desirable proximity to our Limits, and, furthermore that they were amon^j^st the be>t and equally as good waters as own, it was consecjuentl}' decided on my return in accordance with my atlvice, to apply for this tract without further delay. We were exceedingly fortunate to meet the views of the Government in that respect, as they immediatly ap- proved, of our demande and have granted us the lease of all the waters of the Little Saguenay River or (North Branch) this tract cov.jring an even larger territory than the former one, and by close calculation brings the Ex- tent or Area covered by our Limits in this region to over I lOO square miles containing some 125 Lakes, and 250 miles of Rivers and Streams. It is hardly fair to expect that knowing these facts, and the slight kriowledge we have of t!ie Limits, that we should open it out all at once. It is morever less reason- able for persons not knowing more of the country than they will fuui out they do, to pass their Judgement on our Limits. Let our members have true Sportmens' patience, and give by us so doing the encouragement and backing up we ask of them, then will we with,a very limited capital make in a very short time this club second to none in Canada. Navigation for Canoes — The Lower St. Anne is accessible to canoes as for as the celebrated Falls, the Upper St. Anne is also accessible to canoes, but being in chains of Lakes is intersected by short but level carries. The Tourilli Lakes and River are much as on the St. Anne accessible to canoes, the carries after being completed being quite easy. Of the Xorh branch not enough is know to express an opinion, but it is said to be good for canoeing extent to a [^reat. Trails — There exist trails to almost any part of our Ter- ritory but these are merely hunters, P)lazed roads, and will require over hauling to a great extent before they will be of use to us. On this Expedition over 30 miles of Trails were cut, and are excellent being very clear of brush so as to permit passing the (."anoes, they can be made as good as the best of our trails with but little work. As to our — 38 — own trails made by the Club they are splendid and are a credit to the Club. What is said of our territory by outsiders. George McFairchields, jr., of New-York— This gentleman personnally acquainted with many of our Mem- bers is one of the best uniformed persons upon the merits and value of ovx Limits, this has been his Kl Dorado for many years past, as early, as the year 1868 in the Pioneer volumes of the Forest and Stream appear a series of Arti- cles, entitled if I remember righily La Peche a Markham, Lake Tantari, Lake Belle Truite, the County of Quebec, etc, etc. All of these refer to the greater part of our Li- mits and form the basis of these articles, many a good narration from his able pen has followed this first issue and not a year has passed since, that two or more have interested the readers of that valuable paper. He has overrun the best Rivers and Lakes of the Pro- vince, but unvari bly his heart return to the hunts of many years of pleasure and Sport. In a series of letters between Mr Fairchield and our worthy President Commodore Gregory, our Grounds are spoken off to great advantage, such declarations coming from this source carry their weight with them. John NeilsoN, Esq., P. L. S.— For many reason, Mr. Neilson is to be considered an authority upon the quali- ties of our limits : • 1 • r 1st That since the year 1867, he was made it his tavo- rite hunting ..,id fishing resort. 2nd He surveyed both the St. Anne and Tounlli Rivers over 25 miles of their extent from the St. Gabriel line wrich crosses some 200 feet from the Club House, having passed over 4 months at this work under Govern- ment superintendance. , , xx .i. o u 3rd He is throughly acquainted with the North Branch and all its Tributeries. On the debut of this Club he was my guidnig star in choosing these limits. , , , 1 Since my arrival from this expedition 1 had the good fortune to have an interview with a son of this gentleman his companion in all his adventurous outings. Q.— I have just returned from the upper St. Anne and — 39 — Tourilli Rivers, tell me frankly, your opinion upon these grounds. A. — My candid opinion is that you have the very finest limits in this Province, both for Fish and Game. I have killed the largest fish and had the best caribou and par- tridge shooting of all my career as a surveyor on these grounds. There is nothi rg to equal the scenery and to my opi- nion the Tourilli is even grandeur than the St Anne in that respect. Lac des Fees is one of the largest in this dis- trict and abounds in very fine fish, in the Upper Tourilli Lakes I have killed Trout (Salmo I*"ontinalis) touching the Scales at 4^ lbs. Q. — Do you know the North Branch, and what do you think of it as a Sporting ground in addition to our pre- sent one. A. — I have overrun the \\hole of that River, to its sources it would be very wise for you to secure it, being so close to your own. Caribou are very abundant here, and I can safely say that the biggest fish I ever caught was in one of the Lakes of its North Branch called the Lakes A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Lakes Travers (Richard) is very fine for Large Trout. The Lakes tributary to this River are innum- brable. On the N. W. branch, are some ^'ery fine Lakes rivalling even the Famous Big Batiscan for large Trout but of late Trappers have done much harm killing the fish on the Spawning beds, s-hould yrur Club protect these Lakes and Rivers tliey are in-valuable. I shall be much plea.'ed to hear that you control the whole of this Region, which when it is yours, you can boast of having the best Caribou and Trout Grounds of the Province. Henry O'Suijjvan, Esq, Provincial Inspector of Surveys — On the train returning to Quebec from this Expedition, I had the good fortune to have an, interview with this \ cU known gentleman. Attracted by my rather uncivilized costume and general appearance he accosted me with the following invective. Q. — Well Van Felson where do you come from now, we shall have to appoint you to our Staff if you continue exploring our Lands in this way. ^y — 40 — A.— I have JU..L got back from a flyiiv^ trip up to the sources of the St Anne and Tourilli Rivers, going up the St Anne and returning by way of the Tourilli. Q._\Vell I need not ask what you did on the St Anne as it already has its reputation for being a grand stream for Trout but did you do anything on t'.ie Tourilli A.— I killed nothing over i ;i^ lbs on the Tourilli the only one time I did fish there. Q._\Vell in that case I can tell you more than you know off about the Tourilli and its Lakes. I am through- ly acquainted with the whole of this country, and many is the Trout over 4 lbs which I got in these waters. Hut tell me did you get no game up there, 1 never have seen such a region for Caribou, although I have traversed all Canada in my official capacity. A, I am sorry to say that our time was too limited and did not permit of our following up any. Game but not only did we see Caribou, but tracks in such numbers as to al- most lead us to believe that herds of cattle were grazing there. Jkit tell me, do you know anything of the (Bras du Nord). O.— Well I should rather say that I know it, consi- dering that I located a line through by it to Lake St John for the Railway Co, when searching for the most direct line. I have follow, d it up to its smirce on the N. W. branch there are many fine Lakes along this River and some very good trails to reach them by, I killed some very fine Trour on these lakes specially that one called St. Anne which is close on to the Big Lake Batiscan, they are as fine as the latter and more accessible and require your protection as they have been much devastcd by trappers. I beg permission to propose these few improvements before definitly closing my report. 1st As the example given by this Expedition will no doubt be the immediate issue of others of its^ kind, and as many of our Members are desirous of visiting our Li- mits more extensively th.m here before (A trip I strongly advise all to take) it will then become necessary that a certain routine to followed, this being the case, I would propose that a Canoe depot and Camp be built at Lake Henry, (the ist of the Upper St Anne Lakes) for the use — 41 — of parties going up in that direction, let there be another Post at Lake Janibon for those travelling in that direction, these depots would save much labor and tin e. Every second party to go up in a opposite direction. 2nd That a series of Camps be built to be used in the cold season, by our members on the St Anne and Tou- rilli in their hunting Excursions. 3rd That the trails so well begin by this party be overhauled as they are conveniently located, and can be of great service. By carrying out these propositions the ^rip which took us thirteen days, can easily be done in eight days, and leave ample time for fishing and hunting. During our excursion we covered 150 miles including trails and, Canoe-cravel over 25 lakes, this in a direct line, that is to say not going out of our course. Thanking you. Gentlemen, once more for your gracious attention and able support. We the members of the Expedition beg to inscribe ourselves. Your devoted Servants George Van Felson, Commander. Richard S. Harvey, \st Lieutenant. C. H. Carrier, 2nd Lieutenant, I