CHAP. XXIX. UNGAVA BAY. 143 



the distinguisliing features of the sea-coast, except at the 

 mouths of the rivers, where small stunted trees are to be 

 met with. To the westward of South Eiver even these 

 disappear, and the coast is entirely bare. The general 

 appearance of the country surrounding the bottom of the 

 bay, as seen from the sea, is rather hilly than mountainous ; 

 and though it has a very rough and rugged appearance, 

 it yet presents a favourable contrast to the shores of 

 Hudson's Straits, or the coast along the eastern side of 

 Cape Chudleigh, where nothing but high naked rocks 

 and mountains are to be seen. 



As the rivers are ascended, the aspect of the country 

 rather improves, especially near the banks, where the 

 timber in sheltered situations attains a good size. But on 

 leavmg the streams the scene changes rapidly ; the trees 

 diminish in number and size, and become more stunted 

 until naked plains are reached, stretching out to the 

 borders of another river or lake where trees are again 

 found. This description of country continues for a dis- 

 tance of 150 miles from the sea-coast, where it becomes 

 less hiUy and rugged, and better wooded, and continues 

 so for about 200 miles further to the borders of Lake 

 Petichikupau. From this lake continuing south, this com- 

 paratively favourable country is found, but on leaving the 

 lake and proceeding eastward, towards Hamilton Inlet, 

 the country becomes very mountainous and -exceedingly 

 barren. Li the valleys between the rocky ridges, the 

 ground is invariably marshy ; so that travelhng in the 

 summer season, except along the lines of the rivers, is 

 quite impracticable. 



