called by the voyageurs 3 Leagues long. The Great Plains began at the River aux morts, but the soil is so rich that grass grows nearly as tall as a man upon them, so that it is impracticable to walk and keep up with the canoes[.]

Friday 6^th Sep^t[.] Arrived at the Forks after comming at the five leagues from the head of the sault a la Biche[.] The Distance from here to lake Winipie is reckoned twenty leagues and from there to Bas de la Rivier eighteen so that the whole distance from Bas de la Rivier to there is about 38 Leagues but as all these accompts are exagerated I think a fourth may be deducted to come at the truth[.] [A]t the Forks we found a two Lodges of Indians who have a moose deer killed not far off, sent six men for the meat of it which they are to bring on their backs. [O]ur flour and Biscuit, are now, entirely out, and we Shall have to live like Indians upon fish or flesh; as providence supplies us. At these Forks we leave the Main Red River that comes from the Scioux country to our left and enter the small branch called the assinibouan River[.] Saturday 7^th Sept[.] Rain-bound till Sunday late in the afternoon

Monday

[95]