3 C 24< BOISTEROUS WEATHER. 



then became so dense, that the nearest land was 

 concealed from our view ; and perceiving that 

 we were drawn towards a rapid, we pulled hastily 

 for the shore, and encamped. The magnitude 

 of objects, as is well known, is increased in such 

 an atmosphere ; and some ice that still adhered 

 to either side wore so formidable an aspect that, 

 together with the roar of the rapid, it made 

 us really glad to be safe on shore. 



The 11th commenced with heavy rain and a 

 gale from the N.W., which did not lull throughout 

 the day ; we were consequently prevented from 

 moving, as the boat could not be taken down the 

 rapids on account of the spray hiding the rocks, 

 as well as the impossibility of keeping her under 

 control. Instead of decreasing with the decline 

 of the sun, the gale freshened, and became far 

 more boisterous. Neither did the morning of the 

 12th bring any change for the better : the squalls 

 were more violent ; and even with the shelter of 

 a high bank, the tent was with difficulty saved 

 from being swept down. In the former expe- 

 ditions farther west, we had never experienced 

 an extraordinary quantity of rain ; indeed the con- 

 trary might rather have been remarked ; and if it 

 sometimes blew more fresh than usual, the gale 

 seldom lasted more than twelve or twenty-four 

 hours at most, and was generally followed by 

 fine warm weather. But here was a combination 



