278 Topogrnphicat Notices. 



the breadth seldom equalling half a mile. The nature ot 

 both shores here is much the same as on the Deep river ; 

 the hills continuing closely along the north side, and the fir- 

 timbered ridge on the south. The latter is interrupted a 

 little above the Deux Joachims, by a stream from the low 

 lands, before mentioned to extend in this direction. The 

 appearance of the timber about the ravine of this stream, 

 is rather more favorable, and I think it very probable, that 

 on proceeding inland, good soil will be found on the upper 

 part of this great valley. About the middle of this stream, 

 the river du Moine enters with a rapid channel from the 

 north. It appears about the size of the Hideau and descends 

 to the Ottawa through a deep narrow valley appearing to 

 extend some way into the country. Above the du Moine 

 the north highlands assume the most pleasing appearance, 

 forming long swelling hills of great elevation, covered 

 frequently to the top, with the light green dwarf birch, 

 and interspersed with different kinds of fir, which, at 

 intervals, along the extreme verge of the heights, are seen 

 ranging far above the low birch growth. 



At the head of this smooth water, are the Rocher Capi^ 

 taine rapids, the lower part of them going by the name of 

 the Caribou. They form altogether an interruption of about 

 a mile and a half, in which, however, there is some smooth 

 water, nor is the rapid generally very heavy, being 

 ascended by canoes, excepting one or two furlongs near 

 the middle, where there is a portage on the south side. — 

 At the lower end of this portage is one of the finest scenes 

 of rapid water on the Ottawa. The whole of its waters 

 are, for some distance, condensed into a channel four or 

 five hundred feet in breadth, the foot of which is crossed 

 by a range of rocks, extending from the north shore, and 



