32 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



but the thickness of the wood prevented us from seeing far beyond 

 the m ere banks of the river. 



September 17. — About half past five in the morning we commenced 

 tracking, and soon came to a ridge of rock which extended across the 

 stream. From this place the boat was dragged up several narrow 

 rocky channels, until we came to the Rock-Portage, where the stream, 

 pent in by a range of small islands, forms several cascades. In as- 

 cending the river, the boats with their cargoes are carried over one 

 of the islands, but in the descent they are shot down the most 



* 



shelving of the cascades. Having performed the operations of car- 

 rying, launching, and re-stowing the cargo, we plied the oars for a 

 short distance and landed at a dep6t called Rock-House. Here we 

 were informed that the rapids in the upper parts of Hill River were 

 much worse and more numerous than those we had passed, particu- 

 larly in the present season owing to the unusual lowness of the water. 

 This intelligence was very mortifying, especially as the gentlemen in 

 charge of the Company's boats declared that they were unable to 

 carry any part of our stores beyond this place; and the traders, 

 guides, and most experienced of the boatmen, were of opinion, that 

 unless our boat was still further lightened, the winter would put a 

 stop to our progress before we could reach Cumberland House, or any 

 eligible post. Sixteen pieces were therefore necessarily left with Mr. 

 Bunn, the gentleman in charge of the post, to be forwarded by the 

 Athabasca canoes next season, this being their place of rendezvous. 



After this we recommenced our voyage, and having pulled nearly 

 a mile, arrived at Borrowick's Fall, where the boat was dragged up 

 with a line, after part of the cargo had been carried over a small 

 portage. From this place to the Mud Portage, a distance of a mile 

 and three quarters, the boats were pushed on with poles against a 

 very rapid stream. Here we encamped, having come seven miles 

 during the day on a S.W. course. We had several snow showers in 

 the course of the day, and the thermometer at bed-time stood at 30°. 



