[Illustration: _CHIPEWYAN Indians returned to H.B.C. Post with a fine bag of the great grey geese that flock in thousands over Lake Athabasca._] I may mention that in these explorations, which embraced a period of fifteen years, we had to rely for the means of existence almost entirely on the natural resources of the scene of our operations, however dreary and barren a region it might be. We were once cut off from all supplies and connection with our people, to the extreme peril of our lives, for over two years--from May, 1848, till September, 1850--during which time we received neither a letter nor supplies, and the opening up of communication with the outside world was ultimately brought about by our own unaided and determined efforts in the face of appalling obstacles. The Pelly-Yukon is a magnificent river, increasing in size as it is joined by the many affluents that swell its tide. It sweeps in a gentle, serpentine course round the spurs of the double mountain range that generally skirts each side of the valley. Of these twin ranges the more distant is the loftier. Many of its summits are dotted with wreaths of snow, while others wear a perpetual mantle of white. At a distance of some forty-five miles from Yukon the mountains recede, the river widens and for miles wanders among countless islands. Many of the Pelly's tributaries are large streams--especially the M'Millan, Lewis, White, and Stewart rivers. Four kinds of salmon ascend the river in great numbers in their season; and then comes a busy harvest time for the Indians, who assemble in large camps along the river and handle their spears with great dexterity. Large numbers of salmon are killed, some for present and some for winter use. This fish has been seen and killed above Pelly banks, which is more than two thousand miles from the sea. Steamers from the Pacific have already ascended to Fort Yukon (twelve hundred miles); and during the freshet they can ascend more than twelve hundred miles further (to Hoole's Rapid). The lakes all over the country abound in excellent white fish. The fauna of the country is abundant and varied. It includes moose and reindeer, bears (black and grizzly), wolves and wolverines, rats and hares, the fox and lynx, the beaver, the mink, and the marten. I saw the bones, heads and horns of buffaloes; but this animal had become extinct before our visit, as had also some species of elephant, whose remains were found in various swamps. I forwarded an elephant's thigh bone to the British Museum, where it may still be seen. The flora of the country is rich and diversified. I forwarded several specimens of the vegetation to Sir William J. Hooker, director of the Kew Gardens, I also sent him specimens of all the rocks from Yukon to Pelly banks. The climate is more pleasant and genial than in the same latitude on the east side of the mountains. Aged Fur Trader Moves