32 THE LABRADOR PENINSULA. CHAP. in. 



tain-tops, as the table land of the Labrador Peninsula is 

 approached. 



The prevailing rock in the boulders of the Eapids is 

 gneiss, but some of Labrador felspar indicates the cha- 

 racter of the formations in the country through which the 

 Moisie flows. As I stood upon a Cyclopean pebble of 

 brilliant Labradorite, brought no doubt by ice from the 

 upper country, and worn into a polished rounded form by 

 ages of exposure to running water, I was able to create a 

 mental picture of the flashing fire-rocks of the Montagnais, 

 the fire-mountains which the Nasquapees told us existed 

 far towards the height of land, seen only green and bright 

 by sunlight and moonlight, but never when the Manitou, 

 who dwells in those mountains, is displeased with the 

 wandering and helpless children of the forests and lakes 

 of Labrador. This dream Avas scarcely realised to its full 

 extent. I saw the ' fire-rock,' but not flashing, as the 

 Indians described ; but I do not doubt that small areas of 

 the Labrador felspar exist, which glitter with the brilliant 

 play of colours characteristic of this beautiful mineral. 



' Louis, what is the Indian name of these Eapids ? ' 



' Skatchewan.' 



' Skatchewan ? Why, does not that mean " swift 

 water?"' 



' Yes.' 



' And the name of the river ? ' 



' Mista-shipu.' 



' That means Great Eiver, the same as Missi-sippi ? ' 



' Yes.' 



'And what is the Montagnais name of the Grand 

 Portage ? ' 



