fall exceeds in height the Falls of Niagara, but bears no comparison to that sublime object in any other respect, being nearly hidden from the view by the abrupt angle which the rocks form immediately beneath it.  If not seen, however, it is felt; such is the extraordinary force with which it tumbles into the abyss underneath, that we felt the solid rock shake under our feet, as we stood two hundred feet above the gulf.  A dense cloud of vapour, which can be seen at a great distance in clear weather, hangs over the spot.  From the fall to the foot of the rapid—­a distance of thirty miles—­the zigzag course of the river presents such sharp angles, that you see nothing of it until within a few yards of its banks.  Might not this circumstance lead the geologist to the conclusion that the fall had receded this distance?  The mind shrinks from the contemplation of a subject that carries it back to a period of time so very remote; for if the rock,—­syenite, always possessed its present solidity and hardness, the action of the water alone might require millions of years to produce such a result!

After carrying our canoe and baggage for a whole day through bogs, and swamps, and windfalls, in the hope of finding the river accessible, we at length gave up the attempt; and with heavy hearts and weary limbs retracing our steps, we reached the outpost, without accident, after an absence of fifteen days.  Finding it impossible to remove either the returns, or the small quantity of goods remaining on hand, I determined on leaving a couple of the men to pass the winter here; and Mr. Erlandson accompanied me to assume the charge of the temporary post, where I had left his outfit.  Here we arrived on the 1st of September, and I was delighted at finding my men living in the midst of abundance;—­the surrounding country apparently abounding with rein-deer, and the lake affording fish of the best quality.  I remained with the men two days to expedite the buildings which were yet unfinished; and in the meantime a party of Indians arrived, whom we persuaded to carry our despatches to Esquimaux Bay.

After seeing my couriers off, I left Mr. Erlandson with two men to share his solitude, and reached the sea without experiencing any adventure worth notice.  Proceeding along the coast, I was induced, one evening, by the flattering appearance of the weather, to attempt the passage of a deep bay; which being accomplished, there was little danger of being delayed afterwards by stress of weather.  This step I soon had cause to repent.  The sea hitherto presented a smooth surface; not a breath of wind was felt, and the stars shone out brightly.  A few clouds began to appear on the horizon; and the boat began to rise and fall with the heaving of the sea.  Understanding what these signs portended, we immediately pulled for the shore; but had scarcely altered our course when the stars disappeared, a tremendous noise struck upon our ears from seaward, and the storm was upon us.  In the impenetrable obscurity of the night, not a trace of land could be discovered; but we continued to ply our oars, while each succeeding billow threatened immediate destruction.