“…some of the people are planting the Corn bad, 20 or 30 Grains in a hill.”

Corn was a novelty to the first arrivals at Red River, and it was necessary to teach them how to plant it. Although Macdonell mentions his own party planted some on the 19th and 22nd, I can’t find reference to anyone teaching the Settlers how to plant it properly.

“One of the men returned from the Factory & brought me some Twine for the use of the people to mend their leather Trowsers &c. &c.”  – Archibald Macdonald Journal

(reference: p. 18210 of the Selkirk Papers, M187, Manitoba Archives)

“I have sown a Bushel of Wheat this morning on good ground in order to assertain the return. the Settlers got 2 Bushels more potatoes, 1 Bushel Barley and teo Gallons of Wheat for each family, seem all very happy, they go on with their labour with an admirable degree of emulation, calculated to benefit themselves and give satisfaction to the people who hve them in charge.”  – Alexander Macdonell Journal