OF THE POLAR SEA. 



101 



from which it came. The noise of a heavy 

 fall at the Mountain Portage reached our 

 ears at the distance of four miles, and we 

 arrived there at eight A.M. The portage 

 was a difficult ascent over a rocky island, 

 between which and the main shore were 

 two cataracts, and a third in sight above 

 them, making another portage. We sur- 

 prised a large brown bear, which immedi- 

 ately retreated into the woods. To the 

 northward of the second portage we again 

 found the channels intricate, but the shores 

 being sometimes visible, we ventured to 

 proceed. The character of the country 

 was new, and more interesting than before. 

 The mountainous and strong elevations 

 receded from the banks, and the woods 

 crept through their openings to the valleys 

 behind ; the adventurous pine alone ascend- 

 ing their bases, and braving storms unfelt 

 below. 



At noon we landed at the Otter Portage, 

 where the river ran with great velocity for 

 half a mile, among large stones. Having 

 carried across the principal part of the 



