CHAPTER V.
INTO THE UNKNOWN WILDERNESS.
On Saturday morning, the 8th of July, without guide
or map, we commenced our journey into the great
untravelled wilderness. The trail commenced with a
portage two miles in length, leading through thickets,
swamps, and over rocky hills, but by this time the men
were accustomed to their work, and went about it in
a steadier and more methodical manner. My brother's
time was chiefly devoted to the general direction of the
party, and an examination of the geology of the
country.[1] My own time was largely taken up in making
the survey and topographical notes of the route, and in
collecting the flora of the country; but when our duties
permitted and occasion required we both took a turn
at the pack-straps, as we did on this portage.
In order to make an easier trail than the existing circuitous one, which led over sharp angular stones and precipitous rocks, we were obliged to cut our way through a thicket for a distance of half a mile. Having done this, the work of portaging through the forest was begun. During the remainder of the day, and indeed until ten o'clock at night, we continued our labor.
- ↑ For a full description of geological features, etc., see J. B. Tyrrell's Report for 1893-94, Geological Survey.
