Dr. BiGSBY on the Geography and Geology of Lake Huron. 183 



up the lower entrance of the Narrows. The two others are at the north-east 

 angle of this dilatation^ close to the main^ with which they form an admirable 

 haven, lately selected by the Governor-general of British North America as 

 a military position by the name of Portlock Harbour. It is remarkable for 

 fine scenery. While in Pelletau's Channel, as you approach the harbour, 

 at the distance of a mile or so, there is perceived an opening or break in a 

 high country, expanding as it is neared, and finally disclosing an extensive 

 haven interspersed with rocky islets, and girt by heights starting forth in a 

 series of woody or rocky capes : the whole is supported in the rear by three 

 ridges of hills covered with poplar, birch, and half-consumed pines. 



The Narrows or Strait, at the upper end of the Channel of Pelletau, is one 

 of the three outlets from Lake George which may be considered as forming 

 the north-west limits of Lake Huron, since it there begins to be the seat of 

 currents, and of contracted dimensions. This strait is formed by the approach 

 of St. Joseph to within two thirds of a mile of the northern main. This is the 

 extreme contraction, and occurs at the western end ; at the east the width is 

 almost a mile and a half The length of the strait is 2 miles. The main is 

 a line of dark and lofty precipices. This part of St. Joseph is marshy. 



The small space constituting the Narrows contains eighteen islands ; those 

 near the main partaking of its sterile and forbidding character, and sometimes 

 being divided from each other by mural passages only a few feet across. 

 From the summit of the adjoining main is presented a truly scenic and striking- 

 combination of high and sombre rocks, scantily clad with pine, and oversha- 

 dowing a labyrinth of waters. As the islets approach St. Joseph, they become 

 low and woody, with marshy coves and shallow currents in their intervals. 



A current prevails in the Narrows, but weak and inconstant. It is strong 

 at their western aperture, and is perhaps sensible throughout the basin into 

 which it leads. 



The Narrows have considerable but various depth. At the east end, near 

 an excellent harbour, the lead indicated a depth of 42 feet, and being re- 

 moved a yard or so gave 96 feet. 



The second outlet from the Rapids to Lake Superior is the strait between 

 St. Joseph and Sugar Island, called the Middle Passage, which terminates at 

 the lower end in Muddy Lake. It is from 8 to 10 miles long, having nearly a 

 southerly direction, and about 1 mile broad; but it is contracted to one fourth 

 of that width at the lower end. The current is seldom half a mile per hour. 



The Lesser or south-western Nibish Rapid completes the number of the 

 channels that lead to Lake Superior. It is contained by the western shore of 

 Sugar Island, and the southern or United States main. It occasionally ex- 



VOL, VI. ' 3 B 



