282 Topographical Notices. 



four ; and the three higher rapids appear to divide the 

 remaining ascent pretty equally. The particular distribu- 

 tion of the declivity along the Ottawa, is not, however, a 

 very material point of interest. From every account of the 

 Nipjssing route across the country, I am satisfied that the 

 Ottawa, near the Matawoen, is yet below the surface of 

 lake Huron j so that, be the respective lieights of these 

 rapids more or less, they still form but necessary steps in 

 this grand natural stair, to the level of the western waters. 



From the foot of the Deep river, the Ottawa averages 

 nearly an E.S.E. course to the Deux Rivieres, above 

 which, as I could see from the range of the heights, it 

 flows much in the same course for many mile?, continually 

 narrowing the Huron side of the country, until reaching 

 the Matawoen, where the River takes an abrupt and 

 decided turn, in a more northerly direction ; thus, as it 

 were directing towards the true point of its junction with 

 the waters of that great lake. 



Before leaving the des Allumettes, I had not the smallest 

 Idea of the Ottawa forming, above that point, a practicable 

 route for navigation to the -westward ; but after passing 

 throiigh the country from the Deux Rivieres to Penetan- 

 guishine, and returning across the sources of the Mada- 

 waska to the des Allumettes, I can say without hesitation, 

 that it is vain to look for any other northward of the Ridcau . 

 From the Deux Rivieres, the high stony ridge (which 

 is merely the face of the elevated interior lands) continues 

 without interruption far to the south, presenting, every 

 where, a hopelesss barrier towards the Huron, at least for 

 the common system of lockage. The passage through this 

 ridge, by the Ottawa, has of course its minor difficulties ; 

 but in the grand essentials of a proper elevation of channel. 



