196 RIVER LIFE. 



iiually yield many thousand bushels. ' They grow on vines among 

 the rocks, and are commonly called the mountain or highland 

 cranberry. They are smaller than the meadow cranberry, but 

 of a better flavor.' 



"At four o'clock six of the party went down to the camp to 

 prepare fuel for the Sabbath. Our guide and the gunner re- 

 mained at the head of the slide all night, and kept a fire with 

 old roots ; yet it was presumed that they had now and then a 

 little cold comfort. The result of their stay is thus set forth by 

 Mr. Keep : 



" ' On Sabbath morning the eastern horizon was clear of clouds, 

 and we looked anxiously for the sun. Just before it came up, a 

 bright streak appeared of silver whiteness, like the reflected light 

 of the moon. We could see the further outline of land quite plain, 

 and for a short distance beyond was this silvery streak. Soon a 

 small arc of the sun appeared above this bright line. I was hard- 

 ly able to control my emotions while the whole came in sight. 

 On Saturday night, about sundown, our view of the country around 

 was more distinct and enchanting — a boundless wilderness in 

 all directions, much of the view being south of the lakes. Of 

 the latter, not far from two hundred are to be seen dotting the 

 landscape. In one of them we can count one hundred islands. 

 Soon after sunrise on Sabbath morning we went down to the 

 camp to spend the day with the company.' 



" That holy morning found us refreshed, and somewhat pre- 

 pared to appreciate our peculiar circumstances. The weather 

 was charming. The air resounded with the pleasing murmur of 

 the Avalanche Brook, as it flowed down over its bed of rocks ; nor 

 was the song of birds denied us. Gentle breezes stirred the beau- 

 tiful foliage of the circling woods. Impressive stillness reigned, 

 and the whole scene was adapted to awaken happy and exuber- 

 ant emotions. 



" Early we mounted some rocks on the bank of the stream to- 



