In the Arctic Regions. 21 



morning of the 27th, and in the course of the day 

 passed three portages and several rapids. At the first 

 of these portages the river falls between two rocks 

 about sixteen feet, and it is necessary to launch the 

 boat over a precipitous rocky hank. This pascad< 

 named the Trowt Fall, and the beauty of the Bcenery 

 afforded a subject for Mr. Hood's pencil. The rocks 

 which form the bed of this river are slaty, and present 

 sharp fragments, by which the feet of the boatmen are 

 much lacerated. The Second Portage, in particular, 

 ins the expressive name of A '/■ Portage. The 

 th of our voyage to-day was three miles. 

 On the 28th, we passed through the remainder of 

 Trout River ; and, at noon, arrived at Oxford house, 

 on Holey Lake. This was formerly a post of some 

 consequence to the Hudson's Bay Company, but at 

 present it exhibits unequivocal signs of decay. The 

 Indians have, of late years, been gradually deserl 

 the low or swampy country, and ascending the Sas- 

 katchawan, where animals are more abundant. A few 

 Crees were at this time encamped in front of the fort. 

 They were Buffering under the combined maladies of 

 whooping-cough and measles, and looked miserably 

 dejected. We endeavored in vain to prevail on one of 

 them to accompany as for the purpose of killing du 

 which were numerous, but too shy for our Bportsmi n. 

 We had the satisfaction, however, of exchanging the 



