OP THE POLAR SEA.
On the morning of the 18th, the country was clothed in the livery
of winter, a heavy fall of snow having taken place during the night.
W e embarked at the usual hour, and in the course of the day, crossed
the Point of Rocks and Brassa Portages, and dragged the boats
through several minor rapids. In this tedious way we only made
good about nine miles.
On Sunday the 19th we hauled the boats up several short
rapids, or, as the boatmen term them, expressively enough, spouts,
and carried them over the Portages of Lower Burntwood and Morgan’s
Rocks ; on the latter of which we encamped, having proceeded,
during the whole day only one mile and three quarters.
The upper part of Hill River swells out considerably, and at
Morgan’s Rocks, where it is three quarters of a mile wide, we were
gratified with a more extensive prospect of the country than any
we had enjoyed since leaving York Factory. The banks of the river
here, consisting of low flat rocks with intermediate swamps, permitted
us to obtain views of the interior, the surface of which is broken into
a multitude of cone-shaped hills. The highest of these hills, which
gives a name to the river, has an elevation not exceeding six hundred
feet. From its summit, thirty-six lakes are said to be visible. The
beauty of the scenery, dressed in the tints of autumn called forth
our admiration, and was the subject of Mr. Hood’s accurate pencil.
On the 20th we passed Upper Burntwood and Rocky Ledge
Portages, besides several strong spouts ; and in the evening arrived
at Smooth Rock Portage, where we encamped, having come three
miles and a half. It is not easy for any but an eye-witness to form
an adequate idea of the exertions of the Orkney boatmen in the
navigation of this river. The necessity they are under of frequently
jumping into the water to lift the boats over the rocks, compels them
to remain the whole day in wet clothes, at a season when the temperature
is far below the freezing point. The immense loads too,
F