Tue Younc Fur-TRaDER 23

of land had to be crossed which separates the
rivers flowing into Hudson Bay from those
flowing into the Arctic Ocean. Portage La
Loche, or Methye Portage, with its beauties
and its perils, figures largely in the accounts
of all who have visited that region. Its length
is thirteen miles, and it ends in a steep preci-
pice down which the canoes and their loads
must be carried. From its highest point there
opens an extensive view of the country to the
north. Mackenzie is a matter-of-fact writer,
but the prospect from the summit moved him
to unwonted eloquence. This is how he
describes the scene:

From thence the eye looks down on the
course of the little river. . . . beautifully me-
andering for upwards of thirty miles. The
valley, which is at once refreshed and adorned
by it, is about three miles in breadth, and is
confined by two lofty ridges of equal height,
displaying a most delightful mixture of wood
and lawn, and stretching on till the blue mist
obscures the prospect. Some parts of the
inclining heights are covered with stately
forests, relieved by promontories of the finest
verdure, where the elk and buffalo find pasture.

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