278 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
by the Canadians La Riviére Maligne, from its 
numerous and dangerous rapids. Against the 
Strength of a rapid it is impossible to effect any 
progress by paddling, and the canoes are tracked, 
or if the bank will not admit of it, propelled with 
poles, in the management of which the Cana- 
dians shew great dexterity. Their simultaneous 
motions were strongly contrasted with the awk- 
ward confusion of the inexperienced Englishmen, 
deafened by the torrent, who sustained the blame 
of every accident which occurred. 
At sunset we encamped on an island in Beaver 
Lake, and at four A.M., the next morning, pass- 
ed the first portage in the Ridge River. Beaver 
Lake is twelve miles in length, and six in breadth. 
The flat limestone country rises into bold rocks 00 
its banks, and at the mouth of the Ridge River, the 
limestone discontinues. The lake is very deep, 
and has already been noticed for the number and 
excellence of its fish. The Ridge River is rapid 
and shallow. We had emerged from the muddy 
channels through an alluvial soil, and the primi- 
tive rocks interrupted our way with frequent 
portages, through the whole route to Isle 4 [a 
Crosse Lake. At two P.M. we passed the mouth 
of the Hay River, running from the westward ; 
and the ridge above its confluence takes the name 
of the Great River, which rises at the height of 
land called the Frog Portage. 
