Notwithstanding the weather is rather cold, Vegetation is making considerable progress, the ground about the fort is getting quite green, and the bushes are putting forth their leaves and some small plants flowering. The snow, nevertheless still keeps possession of the banks that Front the north.--The River has risen considerably for some days past. The Indians are hungry as they have little to depend upon but moss. They have for some time past got a good many trout from the Barrier but last night it was broken by the height of the water, & they will not be able to repair it. April 1826 Satd.y. 1 Heavy rain the greater part of the day. The men employed gumming the boats. Sunday 2 Overcast mild, soft weather. Mr. Kittson arrived from the F. Heads. he left his people yesterday.--One of the men (Bonenfant) who deserted from me on the 21st. Feby. but was afterwards secured, ran off a second time, when Mr. Kittson sent two men in pursuit of him. One of these Ignace (Astaryan), also staid away & is supposed to have deserted also. Bonenfant made his escape from an Indian lodge before the men got up. Three of the canoes were broke 2 two of the them sunk, & though none of the property was lost a great deal of it was wet, & though pains was taken to dry it, it is feared from the witness of the weather that a deal of the meat will be much damaged.-- Monday 3rd Overcast fair weather. C. McKay & Canotte arrived & left Rivit and the Men this morning, they are to stop the most of the day opening and airing the provisions. Tuesday 4. Overcast, weather drizzling rain. The Men employed tying up some things that were loose in the Store.-- Wed.y. 5 Overcast fair weather. The people with horses loaded with Flat head returns arrived. The men immediately employed opening and examining the Provisions. A good deal of it is wet & getting mouldy. Some of the Bales of leather were also wet, indeed scarcely anything in the canoes missed.-- Busy the after part of the day settling with the Indians for their horses. Thursday 6th Fine weather. Busy settling with the Indians & paid them up for all their horse hire & services for so far.-- Mr. Kittson & the men drying and packing up the meat.-- Friday 7th Fair weather. Had the Indians & Companys horses collected and the property taken to below the Forks,[281] in the boat, the river being too high to cross it on the horses. At past noon I set out with 59 loaded horses and encamped late at the Kettle encampment.[282] Our loads are principally provisions, a few packs of furs & leather.--All Indians but one white man that are with the horses, they are very careful of the property. Saturday 8th Clear pleasant weather.