178 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



exchange him when we met with the Athabasca brigade of canoes. 

 At four A.M. we embarked. 



We soon found that birchen-bark canoes were not calculated to 

 brave rough weather on a large lake, for we were compelled to land 

 on the opposite border, to free them from the water which had 

 already saturated their cargoes. The wind became more moderate, 

 and we were enabled, after traversing a chain of smaller lakes, to 



enter the mouth of the Sturgeon River, at sunset, where we en- 

 camped. 



The lading of the canoes is always, if possible, carried on shore 

 at night, and the canoes taken out of the water. The following 

 evening we reached Beaver Lake, and landed to repair some damages 

 sustained by the canoes. A round stone will displace the lading of 

 a canoe, without doing any injury, but a slight blow against a sharp 

 corner penetrates the bark. For the purpose of repairing it, a small 

 quantity of gum or pitch, bark and pine roots, are embarked, and 

 the business is so expeditiously performed, that the speed of the canoe 

 amply compensates for every delay. The Sturgeon River is justly 

 called by the Canadians La Riviere Maligne, from its numerous and 

 dangerous rapids. Against the strength of a rapid it is impossible 

 to effect any progress by paddling, and the canoes are tracked, or if 

 the bank will not admit of it, propelled with poles, in the manage- 

 ment of which the Canadians shew great dexterity. Their simulta- 

 neous motions were strongly contrasted with the awkward confusion 

 of the inexperienced Englishmen, deafened by the torrent, who 

 sustained the blame of every accident which occurred. 



At sunset we encamped on an island in Beaver Lake, and at four 

 A.M., the next morning, passed the first portage in the Ridge 

 River. Beaver Lake is twelve miles in length, and six in breadth. 

 The flat limestone country rises into bold rocks on its banks, and 

 at the mouth of the Ridge River, the limestone discontinues. The 

 lake is very deep, and has already been noticed for the number and 



