In the Arctic llcrjions. 19 



tensive prospect of the country than any we had 

 enjoyed since Leaving Fork Factory. The banks of 

 the river here, consisting of low flat rocks with Inter- 

 mediate swamps, permitted us to obtain views of the 

 interior, the surface of which is broken into a multi- 

 tude of cone-shaped hills. The highest of these hills, 

 which gives a name to the river, has an elevation not 

 exceeding six hundred feet. From its summit, thirty- 

 six lakes are said to be visible. The beauty of the 

 scenery, dressed in the tints of autumn, called forth 

 our admiration, and was the subject of Mr. Hood's 



irate pencil. On the' 20th we passed Upper Burnt- 

 wood and Rocky Li dge Pi rti ges 3 besides several strong 

 epouta ; and in the evening arrived at Smooth Rock 

 Portage, where we encamped, having come three miles 

 and a half. It is not i asy for any but an eye-witi 

 to form an adequate idea of tl tions of the Ork- 



ney boatmen in the navigation of this river. The ne- 



ity they are under of frequently jumping into the 

 water, to lit't the boats over the rocks, compels them 

 to remain the whole day in wet clothes, at a season 



when the temperature is far below the freezing point. 

 The immense loads too, which they carry over the 

 portages, is not more a matter of surprise than the 

 alacrity with which they perform these laborious 



duties. 



At six on the morning of the 21st, we lefl our en- 



