CHAP. in. ASCENT OF THE RAPIDS IN CANOES. 41 



over the side of the canoes and pointing here and there 

 with their paddles. What is that ? A huge fish springing 

 from the water close to the canoes, salmon, the Moisie 

 salmon, salmon by tens and hundreds and thousands 

 passing up the river, and, while the water is high, swim- 

 ming over the shoals or lying on them, before they begin 

 the ascent of the Bapids, either gathering strength or 

 waiting until the water falls and opens a road for them to 

 the upper river. 



Now the canoes are launched forth into the current, 

 keeping the bows weh 1 up the stream ; they hold their 

 own for a few yards, then the current begins to drive 

 them downwards ; with almost frantic efforts they sweep 

 their paddles. The Indians in the small canoe, with 

 beautiful skill and well-directed power, keep the head of 

 their canoe against the stream, and do not lose an inch 

 more than they can help. On they come battling against 

 the torrent. The small canoe reaches the eddy and is 

 safe ; the large canoe, with three strong men but less skill- 

 fully handled, is in danger of being carried down swiftly. 

 The stream is drifting them, helpless and powerless, to wards 

 the first curl of the eddy ; if they get beyond that they 

 must be swept away. They have only fifty yards to fall 

 down stream and they may give it up ; they have only 

 fifty yards to come in a straight line and they will be safe. 

 The steersman looks round and sees the danger ; Hup ! 

 hup ! hup ! he cries. A dozen rapid strokes with the paddle, 

 made by men who see their peril and know the only 

 means to avert destruction, bring them well towards the 

 edge of the eddy ; a dozen more throw them into it just 

 where it takes its first turn, and they are safe. The men 



