CHAPTER V. 

 INTO TEE UNKNOWN WILDERNESS. 



On Saturday morning, the 8th of July, without guide or 

 map, we commenced our journey into the great untravelled 

 wilderness. The trail commenced with a portage two miles 

 in length, leading through thickets, swamps, and over rocky 

 hills, but by this time the men were accustomed to their 

 work, and went about it in a steadier and more methodical 

 manner. My brother's time was chiefly devoted to the general 

 direction of the party, and an examination of the geology of 

 the country.* My own time was largely taken up in making 

 the survey and topographical notes of the route, and in col- 

 lecting the flora of the country; but when our duties per- 

 mitted and occasion required, we both took a turn at the 

 pack-straps, as we did on this portage. 



In order to make an easier trail than the existing circuitous 

 one, which led over sharp angular stones and precipitous 

 rocks, we were obliged to cut our way through a thicket for 

 a distance of half a mile. Having done this, the work of 

 portaging through the forest was begun. During the re- 

 mainder of the day, and indeed until ten o'clock at night, we 

 continued our labor. Corrigal, who had been crippled, was 

 now at work again, and proved to be a capital man. All 

 hands worked well, but it was amusing to note the craftiness 

 of the Iroquois, who invariably tried to secure light articles 

 to carry, such as biscuits, tents or dunnage bags. With 

 immense loads of comparatively little weight they would 

 stagger off, reminding one of old Atlas carrying the world 

 on his shoulders. 



*For a full description of geological features, etc., see J. B. 

 Tyrrell's Report for 1893-94, Geological Survey. 



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