NATURAL HISTORY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 
185 
between the dikes, viz., when both hard dikes and softer rocks alt 
stood at one level above the present ridges, which is precisely 
what the peneplain theory requires. Then in course of time the 
softer Silurian rocks would be carved out between the harder 
ranges, determining the courses of the larger branches, and lead- 
ing to the present condition. 
Resuming our course down the river, the valley continues of 
the open-flood-plained type, and the river swift, but smooth, for 
two miles to the junction with the Northwest Branch. We did 
not ascend this branch, which looks alluring enough at its mouth,. 
Tut we have been told by those familiar with it that it is the finest 
in all respects of the two branches, being easy of navigation for 
a great distance, and very charming in scenery.* Indeed, from 
the descriptions, I would infer that there is very much the same 
difference between it and the much more broken east branch, that 
there is between the Little Tobique and the Right Hand Branch 
of Tobique. This resemblance is not accidental, but in a sense 
genetic, for the west branch of Upsalquitch flows in the same 
kind of Silurian rocks, and is probably of the same age as the 
Little Tobique, while the east branch of Upsalquitch and the Right 
Hand Branch of Tobique flow across bands of older and harder 
rocks, and are likewise probably of the same age. 
Below the Forks the Upsalquitch is a large and very 
charming river, of grand scenery, swift and abundant clear water 
affording ideal canoeing, extensive intervales, and all the beauties 
characteristic of the best of our New Brunswick rivers. As to 
its size, this surprised us from far up in its course ; it is a far 
larger river than the maps give any idea of, and than its appear- 
ance at its entrance into the Restigouche implies. The valley 
continues broad and open for a few miles, to below Popelogart 
Stream, and then it appears to narrow somewhat, and low banks 
appear nearer the stream. This character becomes more marked' 
in descending until the river comes to run in a deepening and 
* An old portage route is said to have existed from this branch to the Nictor [Tobique,] 
which it apparently reached a few miles below the lake at the big bend. [Dashwood,. 
Chiploquorgan, 41, and Venning in Forest and Stream, Jan. 10, 1903, page 32 ] The portage 
from the lake to Portage Brook is described in Note 65, 
