64 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



river here, consisting of low flat rocks with 

 intermediate swamps, permitted us to ob- 

 tain views of the interior, the surface of 

 which is broken into a multitude of cone- 

 shaped hills. The highest of these hills, 

 which gives a name to the river, has an 

 elevation not exceeding six hundred feet. 

 From its summit, thirty-six lakes are said 

 to be visible. The beauty of the scenery, 

 dressed in the tints of autumn, called forth 

 our admiration, and was the subject of Mr. 

 Hood's accurate pencil. On the 20th we 

 passed Upper Burntwood and Rocky Ledge 

 Portages, besides several strong spouts, and 

 in the evening arrived at Smooth Rock 

 Portage, where we encamped, having come 

 three miles and a half. It is not easy for 

 any but an eye-witness to form an adequate 

 idea of the exertions of the Orkney boat- 

 men in the navigation of this river. The 

 necessity they are under of frequently 

 jumping into the water to lift the boats 

 over the rocks, compels them to remain the 

 whole day in wet clothes, at a season when 

 the temperature is far below the freezing 



