OF THE POLAR SEA. 49 
to a ridge of rock which extended across the 
stream. From this place the boat was dragged 
up several narrow rocky channels, until we came 
to the Rock Portage, where the stream, pent in 
by a range of small islands, forms several cas- 
cades. In ascending the river, the boats with 
their cargoes are carried over one of the islands, 
but in the descent they are shot down the most 
shelving of the cascades. Having performed the 
operations of carrying, launching, and re- -stowing 
the cargo, we plied the oars for a short distance 
and landed at a depét called Rock House. Here 
we were informed that the rapids in the upper 
parts of Hill River were much worse and more 
numerous than those we had passed, particularly 
in the present season, owing to the unusual low- 
ness of the water. This intelligence was very 
mortifying, especially as the gentlemen in charge 
of the Company’s boats declared that they were 
unable to carry any part of our stores beyond 
this place; and the traders, guides, and most ex- 
perienced of the boatmen, were of opinion, that 
unless our boat was still further lightened, the 
winter would put a stop to our progress before 
we could reach Cumberland House, or any eligi- 
ble post. Sixteen pieces were therefore necessa- 
rily left with Mr. Bunn, the ctieorcinane in age 
<<. Veewt. 
