In the Artic Regions. 17 
place the boat was dragged up several narrow rocky 
channels, until we came to the Rock-Portage, where 
the stream, pent in by a range of small islands, forms 
several cascades. In ascending the river, the boats 
with their cargoes are carried over one of the islands, 
“put in the descent they are shot down the most 
shelving of the cascades. Having performed the 
operations of carrying, launching and re-stowing the 
ne we plied the oars for a short distance, and 
landed at a depét called Rock-House. Here we were 
informed that the rapids in the upper parts of Hill 
River were much worse and more numerons than 
‘declared that they were unable to carry any part of 
our stores beyond this place ; and the traders, guides, 
and mo}t experienced of the boatmen, were of opinion, 
that unless our boat was still further lightened, the. 
winter vould put a stop to our progress before we 
could reach Cumberland House, or any eligible post. 
Sixteen pleces were therefore necessarily left with Mr. 
Bunn, th gentleman in charge of the post, to be 
forwarded by the Athabasca canoes next season, this 
being their blace of rendezvous, ; 
After thislwe recommenced our voyage, and having 
