was prepared forthe portage. The carbonaceous remains 

 <>l* former fires, the bones of birds, and scattered camp poles, 

 proved it t<> be a Bpol which had previously been occupied by 

 the Indiana. The prevailing growth at this place, is spruce, 

 white cedar, tamarack and grey pine. We here breakfasted. 



Having followed out this branch, of the Mississippi to its 

 source, it maj be obs* rved, that its existence, as a separate rivt r, 

 has hitherto been unknown in our geography. None of the 

 mips indicate the ultimate separation of the Mississippi, above 

 into two forks. Little surprise should therefore be 

 manifested that the latitude of the head of this stream, is found 

 to be incorrect. It was not however to be expected that the 

 inaccuracy should be so great as to place the actual source, an 

 entire degree south of the supposed point. Such however is the 

 conclusion established by present observations. 



The portage from the cast to the west branch of the river, is 

 estimated to be six miles. Beginning in a marsh, it soon rises 

 into a little elevation of white cedar wood, then plunges into 

 the intricacies of a swamp matted with fallen trees, obscured 

 with moss. From this, the path emerges upon dry ground. It 

 soon ascends an elevation of oceanic sand, having boulders, and 

 bearing pines. There is then another descent, and another 

 elevation. In short, the traveller now finds himself crossing a 

 series of deluvial sand ridges, which form the height of land 

 between the Mississippi Valley and Red River. This ridge, is 

 locally denominated Hauteur des Terrcs where it is crossed in 

 passing from Lac Plaie to Ottertail Lake, from which point it 

 proceeds northward, separating the tributaries of the River 

 Corbeau from those of Red River. It finally subtends both 

 branches of the Mississippi, putting out a spur between the 

 and weal fork, which intersects the portage, cross* - ; the west or 

 Itascan fork about the point of the Kakabikonce, or Little Rock 

 Falls, and joining the main rid irtheastwardly of Lac 



Travers and Turtle Lake, and i- again encountered in the d 

 portage patli from Turtle Lake to Red Lake. It is, in fine, the 



