MOUNTAIN TRAVEL. 
151 
it will be well, before attempting to cross it, to prepare for a swim by 
removing all superfluous clothing, and see that everything that will float 
in the boat should be left free to float, while things that will sink, such 
as fire-arms, &c., should be securely fastened to the thwarts. 
The remarks given on canoeing with regard to loading, to ascending 
and descending rapid rivers, are equally applicable to boating under 
similar circumstances, with the following exceptions. In towing, a short 
mast should be used to which the line is made fast; this is stepped in the 
same place as the mast, and should be stayed, so as to resist the strain of 
the tow-line. Paddles will often be found useful in weedy rivers where 
the oars get entangled. As a whale-boat empty will weigh about five 
hundredweight, more care must be taken at portages than in the case 
of a canoe, which can be lifted bodily over obstacles. The stems of small 
trees, or the oars should be laid down under the boat, and, where possible, 
sharp rocks must be avoided or moved out of the way. In a rapid, two 
men should be in the bow with poles ready to fend off from rocks, and the 
most experienced man of the crew should be in the stern with the steer-oar. 
Although in the foregoing remarks special reference has been made to 
whale-boats, the hints given are equally applicable to boats of other 
construction, which should, however, for river work, crossing a bar, or 
landing through a surf, be fitted with a steer-oar in addition to the 
rudder. Awnings should be taken, but in rapid rivers, and when under 
sail, they cannot be used. 
Mountain Travel.— By Douglas W. Preshfield. 
Revised by Clinton T, Bent . 
The Highlands of Central Asia, and the ranges of western North 
America, are among the fields likely next to attract explorers. If their 
exploration is to be thorough, travellers must take with them some 
knowledge of glacial phenomena. They must learn to know glaciers 
and moraines when they see them, to distinguish between ice and neve, 
permanent and temporary snowbeds. They must also be able to climb 
summits sufficiently high to command the recesses of the chain and the 
