166 RIVER LIFE. 



ered near to the spot where a breach is to be made, which is al- 

 ways selected at the lower edge of the jam. The point may be 

 treacherous, and yield to a feeble touch, or it may require much 

 strength to move it. In the latter case, the operator fastens a 

 long rope to a log, the end of which is taken down stream by a 

 portion of the crew, who are to give a long pull and strong pull 

 when all is ready. He then commences prying while they are 

 pulling. If the jam starts, or any part of it, or if there be even 

 an indication of its starting, he is drawn suddenly up by those 

 stationed above ; and, in their excitement and apprehensions for 

 his safety, this is frequently done with such haste as to subject 

 him to bruises and scratches upon the sharp-pointed ledges or 

 bushes in the way. It may be thought best to cut off the key- 

 log, or that which appears to be the principal barrier. Accord- 

 ingly, he is let down on to the jam, and as the place to be op- 

 erated upon may in some cases be a little removed from the shore, 

 he either walks to the place with the rope attached to his body, 

 or, untying it, leaves it where he can readily grasp it in time to 

 be drawn from his perilous position. Often, where the pressure 

 is direct, a few blows only are given with the ax, when the log 

 snaps in an instant with a loud report, followed suddenly by the 

 violent motion of the "jam;" and, ere our bold river-driver is 

 jerked half way to the top of the cliff, scores of logs, in wildest 

 confusion, rush beneath his feet, while he yet dangles in air, 

 above the rushing, tumbling mass. If that rope, on which life 

 and hope hang thus suspended, should part, worn by the sharp 

 point of some jutting rock, death, certain and quick, would be in- 

 evitable. 



The deafening noise when such a jam breaks, produced by 

 the concussion of moving logs whirled about like mere straws, 

 the crash and breaking of some of the largest, which part ap- 

 parently as easily as a reed is severed, together with the roar 

 of waters, may be heard for miles ; and nothing can exceed the 



