308 Expedtti07i to the 



called Big Broth.*' It is thus described by Mr Freeman* 

 " This beautiful sheet of water extends from the place we 

 first entered it seventy miles in a north-westerly direction, 

 and, as far as we saw it, is beautifully variegated with hand- 

 some clumps of cypress trees, thinly scattered in it. On the 

 right hand side it is bounded by high land, which ascends 

 from the surface of the water, and at the distance of one 

 hundred yards, is elevated about forty feet, and covered 

 with forests of black oak, hickory, dogwood, &c. soil good 

 second rate. It is bounded on the left by a low plain, cover- 

 ed with cypress trees and bushes. The depth of water is 

 from two to six feet. High-water mark ten feet above the 

 present level of the surface. It is called by the Indians Big 

 Broth, from the vast quantities of froth seen floating on its 

 surface at high water. We passed ont of this large lake by 

 very difficult passes through bayous into a\»other very hand- 

 some lake of about a mile wide, called Swan lake, and so on 

 through long crooked bayous, lakes, and swamps, full of dead 

 standing timber." 



H wing made their way for many days along this chain of 

 lakes, they were at length anxious to return to the river. 

 After searching some time for a passage, and finding their 

 pilot incapable to direct them, they resolved to wait while 

 they could send messengers by land to the Coashatay village, 

 and procure a guide. The return of this messenger brought 

 them some information calculated to aid in extricating them- 

 selves from the labyrinth of lakes in which they were bewil- 

 dered, also the promise of the Coashatay chief, that he 

 would join the party himself and conduct them to the river. 

 This promise, however, it was not his intention to fulfil. The 

 party, therefore, on the 20th June, resumed their search for 

 a passage, returning some distance on their route. On the 

 25th, they discovered a narrow and obstructed channel, 



^ Lake Bistineau. 



