^80 Topographical Notices. 



tainly not more than forty feet, and above this the channel 

 is smooth for upwards of twenty miles, so that the separation 

 of the Upper and Lower Canada highlands is complete. 



The main descent at the Deux Rivieres is in a heavy 

 continued rapid, for about one-third of a mile. Above this 

 are two or three short detached rapids, for about a mile 

 and a half, which are ascended, without a portage, except- 

 ing the last, called the Dicharge of the Trou, where part of 

 the lading is carried. We did not pass up to the still water, 

 our inland route striking ofFa little below the Trou. I had 

 however, the satisfaction of a distant view of the rough 

 water there ; the last until we approach the mouth of the 

 Little river, which forms the eastern part of the Nipissing 

 route to Lake Huron. This point, (about twenty -five 

 miles above the Trou) is commonly called the Matawocn, 

 or forks, from the particular form of the neighboring parts 

 of the Ottawa. Above the Deux Rivieres, the heights fall 

 back from the water on both sides, and the whole vicinity 

 of the Ottawa appears to part with much of its rough and 

 sterile aspect; but the view of the lower grounds was loo 

 imperfect to enable me to speak decidedly as to their 

 nature. 



In case of the navigation ever being completed on this 

 line to the Huron, the improvement of the four rapid spaces 

 between lake Coulonge and the Little river, will pi'obably 

 form the most difficult portion of the undertaking. The 

 obstacles, however, do not appear to be unusually great, 

 notwithstanding the mountainous nature of the country. — 

 On both sides of the different rapids, are generally spaces 

 of low ground, the stone near the surface appearing chiefly 

 to consist of bowlders, so that the necessary excavations 

 would not be very deep, or of the most difficult nature.— 



