[ 237 ] 56 



and short creek as a tributary, which is near its source, whilst it is abun- 

 dantly fed by springs that issue from the bases of the hills. 



I regret not to have room here to narrate numerous interesting incidents 

 that occurred in this valley, where we saw constantly recurring the foot- 

 steps and marks of bears, wolves, deer, and otters ; but the length of those 

 details would exceed their importance. 



From the sources of the Kabekonang^ (sometimes shortly called Kabe- 

 ko?ia,) we made a portage of five miles, that brought us to 

 La Place liver, ^j^g j.j^,gj. ^^^ Place, which we ascended as far as one mile 

 south of Assawa lake^ where we found a circular camp used four years 

 previously by Mr. Schoolcraft. But here we were assailed by swarms of 

 mosquitoes, that came pouring upon us in torrents ; so as, at three differ- 

 ent times, to extinguish the lights of my lanterns, whilst 1 was making my 

 astronomical observations. 



The next morning we were up at half-past four, preparing for a portage 



of about six miles, which was before us, and was to bring us to 



!l^f^I?^^ Itasca lake, the principal basin on the head waters of the Mis- 

 and pottage. ... ,, i ^ • . j , • .r tit- 



sissippi, as well as the projected lemnnus oi my excursion. We 



were not ready, however, until half past six. Generally speaking, the idea 

 that there is but one effort more to accomplish one's object, inspires us with 

 courage and strength ; but ii seemed to be otherwise with us to day. We 

 lost time in idle talk ; and the night having been very hot, and the mosqui- 

 toes excessively troublesome, we were exceedingly overcome, and, conse- 

 quently, slow \n getting our respective loads ready. 



The first mile of portage is over a short swamp, which is succeeded by 

 a small elevation, covered with white cedars and the American larch ; next 

 is a hollow filled up with fallen decayed trees, the accumulation of years, 

 and covered with a tiiick layer of wet moss and other parasites. It is a 

 buried forest, over which another is growing. We left this hollow, and 

 reached a sandy country, thinly covered by very small pines. Here we 

 made a halt, after this first mile, which was passed over with alacrity, and 

 at a trot ; this being the usual gait in crossing portages, as experience has 

 shown tliat there is thus a saving of fatigue as well as time. The velocity 

 thus acquired gives to the carrier the power of separating or tearing off the 

 branches of trees that impede his way, without having recourse to his 

 hands. Brunei carried the canoe, which weighed from 110 to 115 pounds, 

 or more ; Desii • and Kegwedzissag had each a load of from b5 !o 90 pounds. 

 .A.S to myself, 1 had about 35 pounds weight, unequally distributed upon 

 my body ; and. with less experience than my companions, was generally 

 the last to reach the halt. 



It was my care, of course, at the portages, to take charge of all the most 

 valuable thitigs — that is, my instruments, my papers, and such articles as 

 were necessary to encamp at niglit, in case I should have lost my way. 

 In other words, it was proper to show a disposition to share the burden of 

 hardships with my fellow-travellers ; and, in case of accidents to tlie in- 

 struments, the responsibility was my own ; which prevented dissatisfaction, 

 and preserved harmony. I carried my sextant on my back, in a leather 

 case, thrown over me as a knapsack; then my barometer slung over the 

 left shoulder : my cloak, thrown over the same shoulder, confined the bar- 

 ometer closely against the sextant ; a portfolio under the arm ; a basket ia 

 hand, which conUiined my thermometer, chronometer, pocket compass, arti- 

 ficial horizon, tape line, &c. &c. On the right side, a spy-glass, powder- 



