Harmon's journal. 



31 



to a considerable height above the water, in the 

 middle of the rapid. During the day, we have 

 come up several difficult ones, where many 

 persons have been drowned, either in coming 

 up or going down. For every such unfortunate 

 person, whether his corpse is found or not, a 

 cross is erected by his companions, agreeably to a 

 custom of the Roman Catholics ; and at this place, 

 I see no less than fourteen. This is a melan- 

 choly sight. It leads me to reflect on the fol- 

 ly and temerity of man, which cause him to 

 press on in the path, that has conducted so many 

 of his fellow creatures, prematurely to the grave. 

 Thus in hope of gaining a little money, which can 

 minister but imperfectly to our comfort, and that, 

 during a short season, we expose ourselves to 

 death. 



Friday, 16. Came up a rapid where, a few 

 years since, two canoes, in going down, were brok- 

 en, and several men were drowned ; therefore, 

 we see more crosses erected. 



Saturday, 17. Roderick M c Kenzie, Esq. agent 

 for the North West Company, passed us, who, 

 with those that accompany him, is on his way to 

 the Grand Portage. 



Sunday, 18. The Lazy Portage. This day 

 we left the Ottawa River on our right hand, and 

 came up a small river, that falls into it. A- 



