Wentzel, Willard Ferdinand. Fifteen letters from Wentzel at Mackenzie River to Roderick Mackenzie, 1807-1824. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0012

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underwood in order to enjoy more ease when Hunting[.]

Surface}

The Surface of the Country is little elevated a[t] this place, to what it is at Some distance from this downwards where I am told the Banks are exceeding high and Rocky[.] [A]t a short distance in land it is intercepted, here and there with Mountains – Hills and Vallies[.]

Soil}

The soil is of a greyish Cast being a mixture of Earth, Clay, and Sand – which the Canadians tell me, can produce, wheat, oats, Peas, Barley – & Turnips – Vegetables decrease in growth[.] Layers of Soil are scarce in this Northern region – Their having no Spades but Hoes to find out the different depths of the Soil, The Handle if which is too inconvenient for the Purpose[.]

Mountains Principal}

The Principal Mountains form no connection with each other[.] The Rocky Mountain is the most extensive one in the Country – and lies on the South Side of the Grand River, and runs North and South in direction at a little distance from the Grand River two days, below this – from thence it continues without varying its course to the River au Liard (formerly called the G.R.Forks) and from thence in different directions to the upper Part of Peace River[.] Its Shape is very irregular & its extent unknown[.] I am told that this mountain is inhabited by Several different Tribes of Savages – Nanily the Nahamis, Dahoteena, and Numbahotunais besides many others who are yet unacquainted with white people[.] The only inform[a]tion I can get concerning these Natives is that they inhabit these Rocks, live upon Carribou, & Goat Flesh & make war upon each other[.]

The Next Longest mountain is the Horn

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L E G E N D :
 in red , modifications made by the editor(s).
 in lavender , modifications made by the assumed author(s).

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