OF THE POLAR SEA, 



195 



over which the cargoes and canoes were carried in about twenty- 

 six minutes. We next passed through a narrow channel full of 

 rapids, crossed the Portage d'Embarras of seventy yards ; and 

 the portage of the Little Eock, of three hundred yards, at which 

 another accident happened to one of the canoes, by the bowman 

 slipping and letting it fall upon a rock, and breaking it in two. 

 Two hours were occupied in sewing the detached pieces together, 

 and covering the seam with pitch; but this being done it was 

 as effective as before. After leaving this place we soon came to 

 the next portage, of two hundred and seventy-three paces; and 

 shortly afterwards to the Mountain Portage, of one hundred and 

 twenty : which is appropriately named, as the path leads over the 

 summit of a high hill. This elevated situation commands a very 

 grand and picturesque view, for some miles along the river, which 

 at this part is about a mile wide. 



We next crossed a portage of one hundred and twenty yards ; 

 and then the Pelican Portage, of eight hundred paces. Mr. Back 

 took an accurate sketch of the interesting scenery which the river 

 presents at this place. After descending six miles further we came 

 to the last portage on the route to Slave Lake which we crossed, 

 and encamped in its lower end. It is called " The Portage of the 

 Drowned" and it received that name from a melancholy accident 

 which took place many years ago. Two canoes arrived at the upper 

 end of the portage, in one of which there was an experienced guide. 

 This man judging from the height of the river, deemed it prac- 

 ticable to shoot the rapid, and determined upon trying it. He accord- 

 ingly placed himself in the bow of his canoe, having previously 

 agreed, that if the passage was found easy, he should, on reaching 

 the bottom of the rapid, fire a musket, as a signal for the other 

 canoe to follow. The rapid proved dangerous, and called forth all 

 the skill of the guide, and the utmost exertion of his crew, and they 

 narrowly escaped destruction. Just as they were landing, an unfor- 



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