356 THE ADIRONDACK. 



of ground over which I had ever seen a boat carried. 

 The indistinct trail lay along the face of a steep moun- 

 tain that overhung a wild, loud torrent below. The 

 footing was so uncertain and the way so broken, that my 

 heart smote me for having brought our guides into such 

 an inhospitable region. When we again shoved our 

 boats from shore all were thoroughly used up, for tak- 

 ing compassion on the guides, our party had carried 

 nearly all the baggage, oars, benches, &c, each taking 

 two loads across. 



Just as the sun was sinking behind the forest we heard 

 the loud, clear cry of the great Northern diver just 

 ahead, and knew at once that we were near the three 

 ponds, on one of which we must find a camping-place 

 for the night. 



Yours truly. 



