parts of Hill River 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, especially as the gentlemen 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 we 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 South-West course.  We had several snow showers in the course of the day and the thermometer at bedtime stood at 30 degrees.

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.  We 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 which they carry over the portages is not more a matter of surprise than the alacrity with which they perform these laborious duties.