In the Arctic Regions. 19 
tensive prospect of the country than any we had 
enjoyed since leaving York Factory. The banks of 
the river here, consisting of low flat rocks with inter- 
mediate swamps, permitted us to obtain views of the 
interior, the surface of which is broken into a multi- 
tude of cone-shaped hills. The highest of these hills, 
which gives a name to the river, has an elevation not 
exceeding six hundred feet. From its summit, thirty- 
six lakes are said to be visible. The beauty of the 
scenery, dressed in the tints of autumn, called forth 
our admiration, and was the subject of Mr. Hood’s 
accurate pencil, On the 20th we passed Upper Burnt- 
wood and Rocky Ledge Portages, besides several strong 
spouts ; and in the evening arrived at Smooth Rock 
Portage, where we encamped, having come three miles 
and a half, It is not easy for any but an eye-witness 
to form an adequate idea of the exertions of the Ork- 
ney boatmen in the-navigation of this river. - The ne- 
cessity they are under of frequently jumping into the 
water, to lift the boats over the rocks, compels them 
to remain the whole day in wet clothes, at a season 
when the temperature is far below the freezing point. 
The immense loads too, which they carry over the 
~ portages, is not more a matter of surprise than the 
@ 2lacrity with which they perform these laborious 
duties. 
At six on the morning of the 21st, we left our en- 
