J foyage fo. Sitka. — Historical and Descriptive. 5 



In some insiaticcs, where islamls lie abreast, the freml is duplicated with a 

 dej^ree of exactness which is very remarkable. There are many cross channels 

 strikint; out at different angles, multiplying the beauty and diversity of the 

 scene ; but the general uniformity of the trend suggests, in an instant, a vast 

 geologic convulsion, which shot through the Earth, as chain lightning through 

 the sky, and split off a portion of the continental mass, which, falling into the 

 sea. was dislocated and dissolved by the in-rushing waters, into the thousand 

 islands that are now scattered along the coast. 



Perchance the anthropoids, reeling on these dizzy heights, rocked in tho 

 throes of these convulsions, gazed down into fathomless abysses. Uut for a 

 moment only, for then came the irresistible forces of the sea, pouring through 

 innumerable cataracts the overwhelming flood, and with resounding clamors, 

 beating against the impregnable fastnesses of the continent, until, as in the 

 creation, the Spirit of (lod brooded over the face of the deep, and there 

 was a great calm. 



The proofs of glacial action are also abundant, and appear in the most in- 

 teresting forms. The slowly sculptured rocks, the glaciers still in operation, 

 and beds of extinct glaciers, are everywhere in view, suggesting long ages of 

 time to account for the changes which this imperceptible force has wrought 



upon the landscape. 



The ailvocates of the contending theories may shake hands over these chasms, 

 as the Neptunians and Plutonians did over their controversy in the early history 

 of this science, for it shall come about at the last, doubtless, that both theories- 

 shall be accepted and the antagonism cease. 



One hundred and seventy miles south of Fort Wrangel, we passed Methlak- 

 atla, the scene of Mr. Duncan's efforts and successes in civilizing Indians. 

 The view at a distance of five miles was inspiring. The buildings wore the ap- 

 rance of neatness ; and most conspicuous among them, were the church, the 

 town hall, and the school-house. One word, — "isolation" — suggests the pecu- 

 liarities of Mr. Duncan's plan. Of this, I shall report hereafter. Tariff 

 regulations prohibited our vessel from landing without a permit, to which 

 a consideralile fee is attached. 



Eighteen or twenty miles beyond Methlakatla, is Fort Simpson, a trading 

 post of the Hudson Bay Company, situated at the mouth of the Nass River, 

 not far from the Tongass Inlet, and the Portland Channel. The latter two 

 being in Alaska, we here cross the invisible boundary, and are once more float- 

 ing on "American"' waters. This word designating the United States, I found 

 to be as prevalent here as any where else. 



Proceeding onward one hundred and fifteen miles, through scenes of extra- 

 ordinary beauty and variety, we enter Etholine Bay. It excites the admiration, 

 and even surprise, of all beholders. I think as tourists shall make its attractions 

 more familiar, it will be classed among the beautiful bays of the world. 



Six or eight miles distant, lies a scene which awakens in my mind a keener 

 .interest. I recognize it in an instant; and I lose sight of '.he peculiarities if its 



