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

10

Dangerous Places}

Rapids are numerous in three these last mentioned Rivers But there are no Portages, in the Grand River no Cataracts are to be met with, and but two rapids which I have already observed are not dangerous[.]

The most dangerous that is to be met with in the Grand River is a place called the Falling Beaver it is Below the Rocky Mountain and is a Kind of whirlpool, at high water only – which is then perillous to cross – if there be any other doubtful Places they are unknown to me[.]

Nature of The Water}

The Nature of these waters, I believe to be wholesome[.] They are clear & refreshing – as well in Summer as in Summer[.]

Minerals Springs}

With respect to mineral Springs I have heard but of one, which is in the Rocky Mountain in the upper Part of the River au Liard[.] This the Inhabitants tells one is venomous. Two of them had taken draughts of it & both died[.] It attacks the nerves & brings on a Slow Fever, and tho' it deprives them of Life, it creates no extraordinary agonies in the Sufferer[.] Besides this Spring there are many along the Rivers, but whether they are mineral or Common waters is a matter I cannot determine having never made any experiment[.] The water of the above mentiond, the Poisonous is Clear & very Cold, tho in the greatest Heat of the Summer[.]

Fish

The different sorts of Fish to met with in the Lakes and Rivers of these wild deserts, are the The Large and Salmon Trout, Inconnue, white Fish, white and red Carp, Pickeral, Pike, Blue Fish, Tolliby and Loche[.]

Modes of Fishing}

The modes of Fishing practised by the Natives is by taking them with in Nets and Hooks[.] The For-

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