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Content Alta

Aug. 6th 1910

My dear Dr. Matthew:

A letter from Prof. Osborn reached me today telling of your recent appointment as Curator and I hasten to congratulate you. I am indeed glad on many accounts as well as yours and I am sure it will mean strengthening the department. We are afloat at last and have completed over sixty miles of our journey by boat having passed through some interesting conyon country with bluffs two hundred feet on either side. So far the fornation is mapped as Paskajsoo and just above Content three miles I think the Edmonton series begin but have not secured any fossils from it yet. Found a slide in the Paskajsoo from which I took several species of shells, mammals teeth and four jaws, two with teeth. One jaw that of a marsupial. They are all small and new to the formation. Our real work will begin about fifty miles down the river where Tyrell found the Carnivorous dinosaur skulls. We have a pretty fine outfit, a 12 X 30 flat bottom scro(sic?) which with our present load of 30000 draws only four inches of water, and a row boat. We had some little excitement up the canyon when we hung up on a boulder in the rapids. Fortunately I had taken an old riverman along from Red Deer and by shifting the cargo and levering the stern we were soon on our way again. The river is very low now but still has a speed of four miles per hour. It has been a very pleasant trip so far with ideal weather. I hope to write of some good finds in my next letter.

With best regards to all in the dept. As ever sincerely yours

Barnum Brown

Address Fox Coulie

Content Alta.

Aug 6 1910

My dear Professor Osborn:

Your letter of Aug. 1st awaited me here on arrivial today. I was pleased to hear of Dr. Matthew's promotion. In many ways I think it will benefit the department. And I am especially pleased that you still remain Honorary Curator for it will be a sorry day when you sever connection with us. I have written a letter of congratulations with report of progress to Dr. Matthew. We have accomplished over sixty miles of our journey through some very interesting and picturesque exposures: Sediments that I believe are Paskapoo or early Eocene form canyon walls 200 feet high for a distance of twenty miles below the village of Red Deer. In one slide we secured several jaws and teeth of mammals new to this formation besides several species of invertebrates. I am securing notes for geological paper and a fine series of photographs. Our invasion of Canada will bring good results. The rapid construction of new railroads all over this Province will enable us to work several rivers farther north where I hear of fossils from the old trappers and Indians. We have a well built flat boat 12 X 30 feet with sweeps at each end and a good little row boat. With our present load of 3000 pounds of lumber, plaster oats and provisions it draws only four inches of water. The river is very low at present but we tracel at a rate of four miles per hour. Were hung up for a few minutes on a boulder in one rapid but by shifting cargo and using levers soon parted company with it. Have had a pleasant voyage so far. About three miles above this village the formation changes appeatance and I believe marks the beginning of the Edmonton series. This is our last post office till we reach Fox Coulee about 100 miles below but as fossils should appear anywhere below Content I cannot tell when we may reach there. Will write however at first opportunity.

With best wishes for a pleasant vacation which you much need.

I am sincerely yours

Barnum Brown

Fox Coulee, Alberta

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