Continuing their journey towards the south they observed some large mountains, the abode of an Indian chief named Aneda.  “I was satisfied from the name,” says Champlain, “that he was one of his tribe that had discovered the plant called aneda, which Jacques Cartier said was so powerful against the malady called scurvy, which harassed his company as well as our own when they wintered in Canada.  The savages have no knowledge at all of this plant, and are not aware of its existence, although the above mentioned savage has the same name.”  This supposition was unfounded, because if this Indian had been of the same origin as the aborigines who acquainted Jacques Cartier with the virtue of the aneda plant in cases of scurvy, he would have understood the meaning of the word. Aneda is the Iroquois word for the spruce tree, but there is no evidence to prove that Champlain was ever aware that it was a specific.  Had he known of its efficacy he would have certainly employed it.

At Chouacouet de Monts and Champlain received visits from many Indians, differing entirely from either the Etchemins or the Armouchiquois.  They found the soil tilled and cultivated, and the corn in the gardens was about two feet in height.  Beans, pumpkins and squash were also in flower.  The place was very pleasant and agreeable at the time, but Champlain believed the weather was very severe in the winter.

The party proceeded still further south, in sight of the Cap aux Iles (Cape Porpoise), and on July 17th, 1605, they came to anchor at Cape St. Louis,[8] where an Indian chief named Honabetha paid them a visit.  To a small river which they found in the vicinity they gave the name of Gua, in honour of de Monts.  The expedition passed the night of the 18th in a small bay called Cape St. Louis.  On the 19th they observed the cape of a large bay, which they distinguished by the title of Ste. Suzanne du Cap Blanc, and on July 20th they entered a spacious harbour, which proved to be very dangerous on account of shoals and banks; they therefore named it Mallebarre.

Five weeks had now elapsed since the expedition had left Ste. Croix, and no incident of importance had occurred.  They had met many tribes of Indians, and on each occasion their intercourse was harmonious.  It is true that they had not traversed more than three degrees of latitude, but, although their progress was slow, their time was well spent.  De Monts was satisfied that it would be easier to colonize Acadia than this American coast, and Champlain was still convinced that Port Royal was the most favourable spot, unless de Monts preferred Quebec.

The expedition returned to Ste. Croix in nine days, arriving there on August 3rd.  Here they found a vessel from France, under the command of Captain des Antons, laden with provisions, and many things suitable for winter use.  There was now a chance of saving the settlers, although their position was not enviable.