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(11)

of the [[?Nee-Gee-clerk]] is wooded, when commences a barreness which was painful to witness.  From that point to Behrings Straits, the route I explored presents no difficulties in the way of transportation in Winter, the route being through valleys, and along river banks.  [[marginalia]] (30) [[/marginalia]]

The one main obstacle is the ulter-barreness of the country as regards wood.  Many a night, while on my trip, I could scarcely secure sufficient sprigs to boil a pot of tea to warm our chilled blood.  I do not give this incident to show what little hardships we may have encountered, but simply to place before your mind an exact idea of the desolation of the country.  Still with these difficulties in the way, the importation of certain articles, and a few oxen, would facilitate matters as to building of the line through this barren country in but a short time.  The idea of oxen may appear preposterous;  but what I have seen of that country, always taking into consideration that the line run through the interior, I am safe in saying that without them it will be an undertaking replete with manifold difficulties to transport poles and plant them through such a barren waste.  [[marginalia]] (10) [[/marginalia]]

After leaving the [[?Nee-Gee-duk]] river, a long [[?penercosse]] (portage or land travel) commences and continues until striking the Kvuk river.