We those on the west sloping to the northwest and those on the east to the northeast. followed the outlet of the lake at the 70th mile for some four or five miles of its course, passing through much marsh land with small tamarac and spruce on the sides. Several cuttings along the stream indicated that it was a travelled route. Five miles from its source it turns abruptly to the west and we concluded that it probably emptied into the Michipicoton waters. Rock exposures along the bank were all gray granite-gneiss, with some darker exposures fused into the former and weil impregnated with iron. Returning to the lake, the feeder at the northeast was visited. This flows from a little lake about a mile and a half east of the 71st mile. Its course is entirely through low marshy lands with poor timber. To the east extends an area of muskeg and swamp. Two beaver dams were crossed. Beyond the lake to the east of the 71st mile the country north and east rises to a level sand plain crossed by a portage two and a half miles long to a tribuWindermere tary of Prairie Bee lake. Indians come in this way to hunt. The river end of the portage is just three miles east of the 73rd mile, and the country between is a rolling stretch of plain and muskeg. In the low marsh areas ground-cranberries were found, the first we had seen in quantity. Paddling down the river we passed through a low-lying region partly timbered with small spruce and jack pine. High, bare, rocky bluffs line the shores of Prairie Bee lake to the south, southeast and southwest. On the north the Prairie Bee and Winder- hills are covered with a mantle of mere lakes. sand and are well-wooded, chiefly with poplar and birch. Entering Windermere lake we traversed several of its bays, and climbed some of its highest bluffs, the whole country around its shores presenting a uniform appearance-birch and poplar timber, bare hills of gneiss and sand beaches. we had to cut our portages, which were numerous. It flows northwest until within two or three miles of Dalton, where it turns southwest, being joined at this point by the Missanabie and Dalton stream, and emptying into Michipicoton waters. Another water-way reaches from lake Windermere to Dalton, north of the C. P. R. track, but this is as bad as the first. A good canoe route extends south of the track from Windermere to Chapleau. The Batchawana River Region. Waterfall Three days after leaving Mr. Speight's party at Sudbury we arrived at Batchawana bay and began our trip up the on Chippewa Chippewa river at once. Our camp River. for the night was at the foot of the lowest falls on the river, where the descent is about 75 feet, with a portage of half a mile on the left or north bank. At the upper end of the portage is a hard greenish rock of felsitic texture, which forms a natural damway where it crosses the river, so that the water of the stream could be backed here at very little expense and a strong power secured. Near the foot of the portage a trail was noticed rising from each bank of the river. This leads from Batchawana to the Government road which stretches from Sault Ste. Marie in this direction. The people of Batchawana hope that the road will soon be extended to their settlement and the rivers Chippewa and Batchawana bridged. |