OF THE POLAR SEA. 5 
Morgan’s Rocks; on the latter of which we en- 
camped, having proceeded, during the whole day, 
only one mile and three quarters. 
The upper part of Hill River swells out con- 
siderably, and at Morgan’s Rocks, where it is 
three quarters of a mile wide, we were gratified 
with a more extensive prospect of the country 
than any we had enjoyed since leaving York 
Factory. The banks of the river here, consisting 
of low flat rocks with intermediate swamps, per- 
mitted us to obtain views of the interior, the sur- 
face of which is broken into a multitude of cone- 
shaped hills. The highest of these hills, which 
gives a name to the river, has an elevation not 
exceeding six hundred feet. From its summit, 
thirty-six lakes are said to be visible. The 
beauty of the scenery, dressed in the tints of 
autumn, called forth our admiration, and was the 
subject of Mr. Hood’s accurate pencil. On the 
20th we passed Upper Burntwood and Rocky 
Ledge Portages, besides several strong spouts ; 
and in the evening arrived at Smooth Rock Por- 
tage, where we encamped, having come three 
miles anda half. It is not easy for any but an 
eye-witness to form an adequate idea of the ex- 
ertions of the Orkney boatmen in the navigation 
of this river. The necessity they are under of 
frequently jumping into the water to lift the boats 
“3 E2 
