CHAPTER V. 



INTO THE UNKNOWN WILDERNESS. 



ON Saturday morning, the 8th of July, without guide 

 or map, we commenced our journey into the great 

 untravelled wilderness. The trail commenced with a 

 portage two miles in length, leading through thickets, 

 swamps, and over rocky hills, but by this time the men 

 were accustomed to their work, and went about it in 

 a steadier and more methodical manner. My brother's 

 time was chiefly devoted to the general direction of the 

 party, and an examination of the geology of the 

 country.* My own time was largely taken up in making 

 the survey and topographical notes of the route, and in 

 collecting the flora of the country ; but when our duties 

 permitted and occasion required we both took a turn 

 at the pack-straps, as we did on this portage. 



In order to make an easier trail than the existing 

 circuitous one, which led over sharp angular stones and 

 precipitous rocks, we were obliged to cut our way 

 through a thicket for a distance of half a mile. Having 

 done this, the work of portaging through the forest was 

 begun. During the remainder of the day, and indeed 

 until ten o'clock at night, we .continued our labor. 



*For a full description of geological features, etc., see J. B. Tyrrell's 

 Report for 1893-94, Geological Survey. 



