THE TENT PITCHED. 137 



outline, which bore an exact resemblance to the 

 scenery about Fort Enterprise. 



The shelving and moss-covered mainland, 

 with isolated rocks in situ, formed a pleasing con- 

 trast to the bold fronting of the neighbouring 

 islands. The beach where the tent was pitched 

 was of a shingly gravel, composed of minute 

 and rounded fragments of mica slate, quartz with 

 scales of glittering mica, and red and grey fel- 

 spar. A few geese, one gull, and many loons were 

 seen ; and mosquitos, like the fourth plague # , 

 swarmed innumerable, and banished comfort. 

 When the cool air of night had benumbed them, 

 and afforded me a respite for contemplation, I 

 could not help feeling deeply impressed with 

 the intense stillness of the scene : no living 

 thing was seen or heard ; the air was calm, the 

 lake unruffled : it seemed as if nature had fallen 

 into a trance, for all was silent and motionless as 

 death. 



Our little canoe was afloat at four a. m. of the 

 27th of August; and the men, excited by the keen 

 air of the morning to vigorous action, impelled 

 her through the calm water with unusual swift- 

 ness. Several deep bays were traversed and 

 points rounded, until at last we had the satis- 

 faction of seeing some sand-hills, which, as we 

 drew near, Maufelly thought he recognised. 



* Swarms of flies. — Exodus. 



