78 EXPEDITION 10 THE 



opportunity of allowing the canoe to dry, otherwise the 

 bark absorbs much water, and becomes very heavy. All 

 motion on the part of those on board is to be avoided, as it 

 causes the pitch to crack, and renders the canoe leaky. 

 This mode of conveyance is the only one in use in the 

 country, and answers very well ; it requires, however, skil- 

 ful men to manage the canoes. Much art is particularly 

 displayed by the bowsmcn and sternsmen to steer them •, the 

 middle-men have only to paddle fast or slow, forward or 

 backward, as they are directed. In steering through rapids 

 the bowsman has the most difficult post ; he is, therefore, 

 always considered to be the captain of the boat ; his wages, 

 as well as those of the man in the stern, are higher than 

 those of the middle-men. When several canoes go to- 

 gether, they constitute what is termed on those waters a 

 brigade, and to these a pilot or guide is appointed, who is 

 generally an experienced man, responsible for the loss of 

 the canoes, and to whom all are subordinate ; he is not 

 obliged to paddle himself. We had engaged the ser- 

 vices of one Baptiste Desmarais, who proved a faith- 

 ful and active guide, well skilled in his business; he 

 conducted our brigade with dexterity and success. When 

 they carry passengers, the guides are sometimes apt to 

 assume too much authority and consequence. The re- 

 sponsibility which attaches to their station, in case of 

 the loss or detention of the canoes under their guidance, 

 requires that they should direct the march, and fix upon 

 the proper places and times to encamp; this gives them an 

 opportunity of displaying their brief authority in a manner 

 that is oftentimes unpleasant to those not accustomed to it, 

 but in this respect we had but little cause to complain of 

 Desmarais, for we found him obliging and respectful in his 

 demeanor to the party. 



Our soldiers, wlio at first were unacquainted with this 



