RIVER LTFE. 



165 



column of rushing water, which, like the heavy pressure upon 

 an arch, confines the whole more closely, would decide otherwise 

 than that the mass must lay in its present position, either to de- 

 cay or be moved by some extraordinary convulsion. Tens of 

 thousands of dollars' worth lay in this wild and unpromising po- 

 sition. The property involved, together with the exploits of dar- 

 ing and feats of skill to be performed in breaking that "jam," 

 invest the whole with a degree of interest not common to the or- 

 dinary pursuits of life, and but little realized by many who are 

 even familiar with the terms lumber and river-driving, In Borne 

 ib many obstructing Logs are to be removed Bingly. Days I 



weeks sometimes arc thus expended before the eliaunel is cleared. 

 In oilier eases a, single point only is to he touched, and the whole* 

 jam is in motion. To hit upon the most vulnerable point is tin* 

 first object; the host means of effecting it next claims attention; 

 then the consummation brings into requisition all the ph\ 



force, activity, and courage of the men, more especially those en- 

 gaged at. the dangerous points. 



From the neighboring precipice, overhanging the scene of op- 

 eration, a man is suspended by a rope round his body, and low- 



