NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITIOX, 71 



exceeds in value the largest mercliantabic mockocks of sugar, 

 which are brought in for sale. They receive for this article six 

 cents per pound, in merchandise, and the amount made in a sea- 

 son, by a single family, is sometimes fifteen hundred pounds. The 

 Ottowas of L'Arbre Croche are estimated at one thousand souls, 

 which, divided by five, would give two hundred families ; and by 

 admitting each family to manufacture but two hundred pounds 

 per annum, would give a total of forty thousand pounds; and 

 there are probably as many ChippeAvas within the basins of Lakes 

 Huron and Michigan. This item alone shoAvs the importance of 

 the Indian trade, distinct from the question of furs. 



During the time we remained on this island, the atmosphere 

 denoted a mean temperature of 55° Fahrenheit. The changes 

 are often sudden and great. The island is subject to be enveloped 

 in fogs, which frequently rise rapidly. These fogs are sometimes so 

 dense, as to obscure completely objects at but a short distance. I 

 visited Eound Island one day with Lieut. Mackay,'-^ and we were 

 both engaged in taking views of the fort and town of Michilimacki- 

 uac,t when one of these dense fogs came on, and spread itself with 

 such rapidity, that we were compelled to relinquish our designs 

 unfinished, and it was not without difficulty that we could make 

 our way across the nan-ow channel, and return to the island. 

 This fact enabled me to realize what the old travellers of the 

 region have affirmed on this topic. 



We were received during our visit here in the most hospitable 

 manner, as well as with official courtesy, by Capt. B. K. Pierce, the 

 commanding officer. Major Puthuflf, the Indian agent, and by the 

 active and intelligent agents of Mr. John Jacob Astor, the great 

 fiscal head of the Fur Trade in this quarter. 



* Lieut. Eneas Mackay. This officer, after tlie retui-n from this expedition, 

 went through the regular grades of promotion in the army, and had at the period 

 of his death, which took place in 1850, at St. Louis, Missoui-i, reached the brevet 

 rank of colonel. 



f For the view from this point, see Information respecting the History, Condi- 

 tion, and Prospects of the Indian Tribes of the United States, vol. iv. Plate 42. 



