Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/128

 The jets of smoke, issuing in many places from the perpendicular face of the clayey cliff presented a singular spectacle. The combustion had in many places scorched the layers of unctuous earth that interstratify the coal formation, and turned their surface to a lively red colour. After spending some time ashore in the exami- nation of these curious phenomena, we parted from our comrades with three hearty huzzas, displaying the British ensigns as we launched into the broad, swift stream. On either hand rose the Rocky Mountains and the Eastern Hills, now shadowed by floating clouds, now reflecting from their snowy peaks the dazzling sunshine. The scene was to me enchanting, and its excitement was increased by our rapid descent of the river. We saw a few Indians during the day, from whom we procured some of the fish called Back's grayling, the "wing-like fin" of the Esquimaux. Our progress was continued, as usual, all night.

Early the following morning, a light breeze filled our sails for a while, but soon died away. We breakfasted on the curious madrepore rocks above "the Rapid," which we descended at noon. In the evening we spoke a large camp of Hare Indians, who were fishing in the eddies along The Ramparts. That singular defile is well named; but its only garrison consisted of a legion of