GRAND RIVER. 41 



but one good channel through which the water flows very swiftly, 

 by the house of Joe Michelin, the trapper, at which six weeks 

 later two very gaunt and much used up men were most hospita- 

 bly received. Here another night was spent almost without 

 sleep, owing to the mosquitoes. 



Tuesday a large Indian camp was passed, the big "pool," at 

 the foot of the first falls and some three miles long, rowed 

 across, and at noon the carry was begun. It was necessary to 

 make seventeen trips and four and one half hours were used in the 

 task. When the last load had been deposited at the upper end of 

 the carry, the men threw themselves down on the bank utterly 

 weary, and owing to the loss of sleep the two previous nights, 

 were soon all sound asleep. In consequence camp was made 

 here, and the first comfortable night of the trip passed. In- 

 cluding the carry eight miles was the day's advance. 



The twenty-five miles of the next day were made rowing and 

 tracking up the Porcupine rapids through a series of small lakes, 

 one with a little island in the centre deceiving our boys for 

 awhile into thinking they had reached Gull Island Lake, and 

 then up another short rapid at the head of which the party en- 

 camped. 



Sixteen miles were made next day by alternate rowing and 

 tracking, the foot of Gull Island Lake was reached, and after 

 dinner it was crossed in one and a half hours. Then the heav- 

 iest work of the trip thus far was struck and camp was made, 

 about half way up Gull Lake rapid. Supper was made off a 

 goose shot the previous day. It was necessary to double the 

 crews in getting up the latter part of Gull Island rapids, and 

 finally a short carry was made just at noon to get clear of them. 

 From the fact that the light, beautifully modelled boats required 

 four men to take them up the rapids we may get some idea of 

 the swiftness of the river as well as the difficulties attending the 

 mode of travelling. As the river in its swiftest parts is never 

 less than half a mile wide, and averages a mile, it can readily be 

 seen that it is a grand waterway, well deserving its name. 



Nine miles were made this day and camp was reached at the 

 beginning of rough water on the Horse Shoe Rapid. Here the 



