﻿1848. RETURN OF THE CANOE-MEN. 115 



On the 3d of July, tlie whole of the baggage 

 and the boats were brought to the banks of the 

 Little Lake ; and on the 6th, every thing having 

 been carried over to Clear-water River on the 

 preceding evening, we descended from the Cocks- 

 comb, where we had remained encamped for two 

 days, that we might avoid the moschetoes which 

 infested the low grounds. While the boats were 

 loading, we took leave of our canoe-men, who re- 

 turned to Canada, and at half-past eight a.m. we 

 pushed off. 



The portage occupied nine days from the time 

 of Mr. Bell's arrival ; but, with the assistance of 

 horses, we could have passed it easily in three, 

 and saved nearly a week of summer weather, most 

 important for our future operations, besides hus- 

 banding the strength of the men. The transport of 

 the four boats, being made on the men's shoulders, 

 employed two days and a half of our time. 



1 2 



