The flat limestone country rises into bold rocks on its banks, and at the mouth of the Ridge River, the limestone discontinues.

The lake is very deep, and has already been noticed for the number and excellence of its fish.{49} The Ridge River is rapid and shallow.

We had emerged from the muddy channels through an alluvial soil, and the primitive rocks interrupted our way with frequent portages, through the whole route to Isle a la Crosse Lake.

At two P.M.we passed the mouth of the Hay river, running from the westward; and the ridge above its confluence takes the name of the Great River, which rises at the height of land called the Frog Portage.
The thermometer was this day 100 deg.

in the sun, and the heat was extremely oppressive, from our constant exposure to it.