At sunset we encamped on a small sandy island, but the next morning made a speedy retreat to the canoes, the water having nearly overflown our encampment.

We passed two deserted settlements of the fur traders on opposite banks, at a place called Pierre au Calumet.

Beyond it the hills disappeared, and the banks were no longer visible above the trees.

The river carries away yearly large portions of soil, which increases its breadth, and diminishes its depth, rendering the water so muddy as to be scarcely drinkable.

Whole forests of timber are drifted down the stream, and choke up the channels between the islands at its mouth.