SUPERIOR. 201 



ing to visit the Neepigon should write Mr. Crawford suffi- 

 ciently in advance of their arrival to secure canoes and 

 Indians ; as it may be necessary to send to the Sault for 

 them, where a number are always to be had. Or a letter 

 may be addressed to J. G. H. Carlton, Esq., Lock-master, 

 Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, who will arrange to have guides 

 and canoes ready at any time to go aboard the steamboat 

 with the excursion party. 



Having enjoyed a night of refreshing slumber at Craw- 

 ford's, we are ready in the morning for a start up stream. 

 Our outfit is completed, the canoe laden witli all essentials, 

 and Ave only await the arrival of Pooray, our Indian gnide, 

 from his wigwam up the river. With commendable punctu- 

 ality he presently puts in an appearance, bringing with him 

 a specimen-trout from the regions above, which causes our 

 eyes to dilate and our nerves to thrill with pleasurable anti- 

 cipation. In size it resembles a good-sized shad ; but its 

 native characteristics are perfect, with every mark and line 

 and color of the genuine Salmo fonthialis gleaming in royal 

 splendor. It weighs 4| pounds, but we are quietly informed 

 that " this is a common size here ! " 



The river Neepigon is a noble stream, with water cold and 

 clear as crystal, flowing with a volume six hundred feet wide 

 into a magnificent bay of great extent. This bay is sur- 

 rounded by long, undnlating ranges of hills, rugged preci- 

 pices, huge bluff's, and lofty mountains, more or less wooded 

 with evergreens interspersed with deciduous trees, and filled 

 with islands of all sizes and every variety of outhne. It is at 

 once one of the safest and most beautiful harbors on Lake 

 Superior. The first rapids occur about one-quarter of a mile 

 above the station, and are a mile in length. They can bo 

 surmounted by canoes, but we prefer an easier method ; our 

 loaded canoe is placed on an ox-cart and portaged over. 

 With a crack of the Avhip the team gets under way, and, bid- 

 ding adieu to the hospitable station, we trundle off", with our 

 traps, guns, rods, and provisions well stowed, and a little 



