72 NARRATIVE, &c. 



dispatched, we prepared to embark for the portage to Leech 

 Lake. But previous to quitting this lake, it may be proper to 

 subjoin a few particulars respecting it, which, from a desire to 

 gain a more perfect knowledge of it, were omitted, on first enter- 

 ing it. 



Cass Lake occupies a position on the American continent, and 

 particularly in relation to the Upper Mississippi, which makes 

 it desirable to acquire more accurate details and observations 

 than it fell to our lot to be enabled to make. But in the absence 

 of such data, such facts as our means permitted, may be substi- 

 tuted. We were impressed with its extent, the picturesque 

 character of its islands, and the diversified appearance of its 

 very irregular woodland shores. Its geological features are sim- 

 ilar to those of Leech Lake and Lake Winnipec, being a basin 

 of diluvial formation, spotted with islands, occupying a position 

 on the great marine sand district of the Upper Mississippi. 

 This district abounds in pure springs, and is so impervious in its 

 lower strata, that it has probably retained to the present day, 

 more water in the character of lakes, large and small, than any 

 other part of the world. The greatest expanse of the lake ap- 

 pears to lie in the direction from north to south. Its length is 

 from northeast to southwest. From the time consumed in pas- 

 sing through it, it cannot fall short of sixteen miles. It has four 

 islands, the largest of which Colcaspi or Grand Island, which is 

 itself of a most striking shape, occupying a large area in its centre 

 and presenting its green forests of elm and oak in striking con- 

 trast with the bright expanse of waters. Allen's Bay* is, pro- 

 perly the head of this lake, receiving the Mississippi from the 

 w r est. Nothing, however, in the mere figure of the lake, is so 

 characteristic as the noble bay which puts out from its southern 

 shore, presenting an expanse of clear and deep water which we 

 were an hour, with every exertion, in crossing transversely. 

 This bay was visited on the ice by the late General Pike, in his 



♦ So called in honor of Lieut. James Allen, U. S. A. who, on his return 

 down the Mississippi, was the first to explore it. 



