BOG RIVER. 355 



ledge we had derived from others. Charlie, however, 



knew one thing, and C did nothing but whine about 



it — that there were nine carrying -places on the route, and 

 those not beaten paths, across comparatively even ground, 

 but mere trails leading over rocks and swamps and steep 

 acclivities. The first, half a mile in length, was not 

 very difficult, but in passing over it I noticed the skill 

 these men acquire in carrying their boats upon their 

 heads. In 'crossing a deep hollow, they came to a miry 

 spot. Over this, on a stick not more than four inches 

 in diameter, they stepped with far more steadiness and 

 ease than we did. After launching our boats and row- 

 ing about four miles, we came to the " Winding Falls," 

 so called from their shape — the water swinging itself 

 down the precipice in a peculiarly graceful manner. 

 This was a short but rougli carrying-place. 



Now thumping against the rocks as we attempted 

 to force our way over rapids, and now sinking our boats 

 under a huge pine-tree that spanned the stream, almost 

 touching the surface, we kept on our toilsome way until 

 the last carrying-place was reached before we arrived at 

 a chain of ponds where we were to camp for the night. 

 We had got the impression that this was a short and 

 easy one, but it proved to be the most desperate piece 



