140 NARRATIVE, &<• 



CHAPTER III. 



Character of the St. Croix. — Us productiveness in wild rice. — Population 

 and trade. — Condition of the Indians, and their prospect. — Portage to 

 the Burntwood. — Marine sand formation. — Bass Jake. — Character of the 

 Burntwood river. — Arrival at its discliarge into Fond du Lac of Lake 

 Superior. — Indian friends. — Close of the JVarrative. — Brief general re- 

 marks on the condition of the Chippewas. — Traits of character and gov- 

 ernment. — The institution of the Totem. — Tale of the origin of White 

 Fish. 



On entering lake St. Croix we were favored with a fair 

 wind, and made use of our sails in passing it. As we approached 

 its head, we found the swell formidable, but were able, never- 

 theless, to keep the lake. We debarked, on a marshy margin 

 at its head, being the commencement of the portage to the 

 Brule. As the river St. Croix has its origin here, a few gene- 

 ral remarks on its geographical features, may be subjoined. — 

 This stream is an important tributary to the Upper Mississippi, 

 originating on elevated grounds, and consequently, having a 

 rapid mean descent. Although not remarkable for its lengthy 

 its waters spread in a lateral line, an unusual distance. It has 

 many tributaries, connecting it, on the north, with Rum river, 

 on the south, with Chippewa river, and towards the east with 

 the Mauvais and the Brule rivers of Lake Superior. The 

 main channel may be estimated, by its windings, at two hund- 

 red miles. The length of its Namakagon fork, is estimated to 

 be one hundred and seventy miles, while that of its northern 

 branch does not probably exceed sixty-five miles. Both branch- 

 es, together with its lower tributaries, and their numerous lakes, 

 yield the northern rice plant. The abundance of the plant, has 



