Collingwood to Sarnia. 145 



particular notice, called Manitou Island. It lies in the north- 

 east part of the lake, and is undoubtedly the greatest natural 

 curiosity in this wilderness. It is about twenty miles from the 

 mainland, and about twelve in circumference. The shores are 

 of sandstone, and for the most part rise abruptly from the 

 water to the height of 400 or 500 feet. But the wonder is, 

 that in the centre of this island lies embosomed one of the 

 most beautiful lakes imaginable. It is about a mile long, and 

 the perpendicular cliffs which look down upon it are not less 

 than 600 or 700 feet high. It has an outlet which is impas- 

 sable for a canoe, on account of the rocks and trees that 

 have blocked up the narrow chasm ; and at the opening of 

 this outlet stands a column of solid rock which is estimated 

 to be Soo feet high. The base is probably 100 feet in 

 diameter, and it gradually tapers off to about twenty feet in 

 thickness, while the summit of this singular needle is sur- 

 mounted by a solitary pine. The lake is so hidden from the 

 outer world, that the passing breeze scarcely ever ruffles its 

 bosom, and the silence which reigns there, even at noon-day, 

 is intense. The lake seems to be destitute of fish, and the 

 island of animals ; but gulls of every variety and in immense 

 numbers hover about. The entire island is composed of 

 rocky material, and probably the scene of great volcanic 

 action ; it is everywhere covered with a stunted vegetation. 

 It is called by the Indians Manitou Island, and is held in 

 great awe by them, being the supposed abode of their 

 Great Spirit. The traveller through this region will find 

 but little use for his gun on the lake, as water-fowl are 

 not abundant, for the reason that the rocky bottom of the 

 lake affords no plants to supply them with food ; but he may 

 bring with him a quantity of fishing tackle, and his brightest 

 anticipations with regard to angling will be realized. Of the 

 game on the land to be found here, there are plenty of bears 

 and elk, and a few deer ; of the smaller animals, almost every 

 northern variety may be found. 



K 



