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FORT PITT we found on the
north bank of the Saskatchewan, standing on a commanding bench near the
river, and having a magnificent outlook —a wide, long valley, enclosed by
high hills, which rose terrace beyond terrace in the distance, and the
swiftly flowing river coming and going with majestic bends at its feet.
This was then the buffalo
fort of the Saskatchewan District, the great herds coming closer and oftener
to this point than to any other of the Hudson's Bay posts.
This was also a famous
horse-breeding spot, the grasses in the vicinity being especially adapted
for that business.
Here was a hunter's
paradise—plenty of buffalo and fine horses. No wonder good hunters would be
the result!
From here the party went out
which had the Indian with it, to whom the Hudson's Bay officer gave
seventeen arrows, and said, "Now, let us see what you can do;" and the
Indian modestly answered, "I can but try," and killed sixteen buffalo in the
straight "race set before" him.
This was the trading home of
Big Bear, who for years was hunter for the fort, and who, later on, much
against his own will, was deceived and persuaded to join the foolish
rebellion of 1885.
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