In the Arctic Regions. 21 
morning of the 27th, and in the course of the day 
passed three portages and several rapids. At the first 
of these portages the river falls between two rocks 
about sixteen feet, and it is necessary to launch the 
boat over a precipitous rocky bank. This cascade is 
named the Trout Fall, and the beauty of the scenery 
afforded a’subject for Mr. Hood’s pencil. The ‘rocks 
which form the bed of this river are slaty, and present 
sharp fragments, by which the feet of the boatmen are 
much lacerated. The Second Portage, in particular, 
obtains the expressive name of Knife Portage. The 
length of our voyage to-day was three miles. 
On the 28th, we passed through the remainder of 
Trout River ; and, at noon, arrived at Oxford house, 
on Holey Lake. This was formerly a post of some 
consequence to the Hudson’s Bay Company, but at 
present it exhibits unequivocal signs of decay. The 
Indians have, of late years, been gradually deserting 
the low or swampy country, and ascending the Sas- 
katchawan, where animals are more abundant. A few 
Crees were at this time encamped in front of the fort. 
They were suffering under the combined maladies of 
whooping-cough and measles, and looked miserably 
dejected. We endeavored in a to prevail on one of 
them to accompany us for the purpose of killing ducks, 
which were numerous, but too shy for our sportsmen. 
We had the satisfaction, however, of exchanging the 
