CHAPTER I.
From Edmonton To Lesser Slave Lake.
Mr.Laird, with his staff, left Winnipeg for Edmonton by the Canadian Pacific express on the 22nd of May, two of the Commissioners having preceded him to that point.

The train was crowded, as usual, with immigrants, tourists, globe-trotters and way-passengers.

Parties for the Klondike, for California or Japan--once the far East, but now the far West to us--for anywhere and everywhere, a C.P.R.express train carrying the same variety of fortunates and unfortunates as the ocean-cleaving hull.

Calgary was reached at one a.m.on the Queen's birthday, and the same morning we left for Edmonton by the C.& E.
Railway.

Every one was impressed favourably by the fine country lying between these two cities, its intermediate towns and villages, and fast-growing industries.