32 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES
but the thickness of the wood prevented us from seeing far beyond
the mere banks of the river.
September 17.—About half past five in the morning we commenced
tracking, and soon came to a ridge of rock which extended across the
stream. From this place the boat was dragged up several narrow
rocky channels, until we came to the Eock Portage, where the
stream, pent in by a range of small islands, forms several cascades.
In a spending the river, the boats with their cargoes are carried over
one of the islands, but in the descent they are shot down the most
shelving of the cascades. Having performed the operations of carrying,
launching, and restowing the cargo, we plied the oars for a short
distance, and landed at a depot called Eock House. Here we were
informed that the rapids in the upper parts of Hill Eiver were much
worse and more numerous than those we had passed, particularly in
the present season, owing to the unusual lowness of the water.
This intelligence was very mortifying, especiaEy as the gentleman
in charge of the Company’s boats declared that they were unable to
carry any part of our stores beyond this place; and the traders, guides
and most experienced of the boatmen, were of opinion, that unless
our boat was still further lightened, the winter would put a stop to
our progress before we could reach Cumberland House, or any eligible
post. Sixteen pieces were therefore necessarily left with Mr.
Bunn, the gentleman in charge of the post, to be forwarded by the
Athabasca canoes next season, this being their place of rendezvous.
After this we recommenced our voyage, and having pulled nearly
a mile, arrived at Borrowick’s Fall, where the boat was dragged up
with a line, after part of the cargo had been carried over a small
portage. From this place to the Mud Portage, a distance of a mile
and three quarters, the boats were pushed on with poles against a
very rapid stream. Here we encamped, having come seven miles
during the day on a S.W. course. We had several snow showers in
the course of the day, and the thermometer at bed-time stood at 30°.