Sr es) ot eee ae ga mee 
FUGA EEE A E T AEEA SENEL A E 
2 eee ET EENE PN LER R E ye 
Ee 
1894.] Geography and Travels, 503 
General Notes. 
GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVELS. 
The Grand Falls of Labrador.—For many years vague reports 
of a great waterfall in Labrador near the head waters of the Grand 
River have induced men to explore the interior plateau of this region, 
but no satisfactory accBunt has been given of the appearance of the 
“Falls” until the recent publication of the results of an exploration 
undertaken by Mr. Henry G. Bryant of Philadelphia to verify the 
reports as to the height and location of this natural wonder. 
In company with Prof. Kenaston of Washington, D. C., Mr. Bryant 
arrived at Rigolet in Hamilton Inlet, J uly 23d, where they embarked 
on a small schooner which carried them to the head of the interior 
basin known as Melville or Grosswater Bay. Here Mr. Bryant tried 
for Indian coöperation in his enterprise but could not overcome their 
superstious fears. They firmly believe that death will soon overtake 
the venturesome mortal who dares to look upon the mysterious catar- 
act. The party that finally started up the Grand River on August 3d 
consisted of Mr. Bryant, Prof. Kenaston, John Montague, a young 
Scotchman, and Geoffrey Ban, a full-blood Eskimo. The trip was 
made in a strong river boat eighteen feet in length and they took with 
them a canoe for use in the upper reaches of the river. By noon of 
the second day the party reached Muskrat Falls, where a chain of hills 
encroaches the bed of the river, contracting the channel and presenting 
a rocky bulwark, through which the stream has forced its course. The 
drop of the falls was ascertained to be thirty-six feet. Here was 
hecessitated the first carry, a tedious operation which occupied a day 
and a half. The subsequent advance of about 175 miles up the river 
was by the method known as “tracking.” That is, a rope was tied to 
the gun-wale just aft the bow. To the shore end broad leather straps 
Were attached. This constituted a harness for three of the men who 
tugged away along the rocky back while the fourth man, by means of 
an oar lashed to the stern, steered a devious mee pone the meks 
5 d clacia ] 
and shallows of the river. Sandy banks and g i 
lodged afforded a precarious footing for the “ team,” ms cera io 
Tagged cliffs exercised their ingenuity in making progress. eases 
-~ Mn the water was often the only resource. 
