the King of the Netherlands as the bounds of the American claim.  The commissary therefore found it impossible to ascend Rimouski to its source, and crossing its valley found himself again on a dividing ridge, where he soon struck a stream running to the southeast.  This, from a comparison of courses and distances, is believed to be the source of the main branch of the Grande Fourche of Ristaymoh; and thus the second and fourth detachments had reached points within a very short distance of each other.  The greater breadth of the dividing ridge has thus been explored, but it will remain to trace the limits of the valley of the Rimouski, which will form a deep indenture in the boundary line.  This line having been explored, a party was formed, after the assemblage of the several divisions at Temiscouata, for the purpose of leveling it with the barometer; but the expedition was frustrated by a heavy snowstorm, which set in on the 12th October.  This, the most important part of the whole northern line, therefore remains for future investigation.  It can only be stated that strong grounds exist for the belief that its summits are not only higher than any point which has been measured, but that, although cut by the Rimouski, it exceeds in average elevation any part of the disputed territory.

The leveling of the Temiscouata portage appeared to be an object of great importance, not only on its own account, but as furnishing a base for future operations.  As soon as a sufficient force had been assembled at Lake Temiscouata a party was therefore formed to survey the portage with a theodolite.  Orders were also given by the commissioner that the first barometer which should be returned should be carried over the portage.  It was believed that this double provision would have secured the examination of this point beyond the chance of failure.  A snowstorm, however (the same which interrupted the last operation referred to), set in after the level had been run to the mountain of Biort, and one of the laboring men, worn out by his preceding fatigues, fell sick.  The party being thus rendered insufficient, the engineer in command found himself compelled to return.  The contemplated operation with the barometer was also frustrated, for on examination at Temiscouata it was found that all were unfit for further service.  In order that the desired object might be accomplished, a new expedition was dispatched from New York on the 12th of November, furnished with four barometers.  This party, by great exertions, reached St. Andre, on the St. Lawrence, on the eighth day and accomplished the object of its mission.  The operation was rendered possible at this inclement season by its being confined to a beaten road and in the vicinity of human habitations.