Page:Voyage of discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and round the world in the years 1791-95, volume 2.djvu/80

Rh trance fituated in latitude 45" 39', longitude 237" 21', commanded a mofl delightful profpeft of the furrounding region, and obtained the name of Bellk Vue Point ; from whence the branch of the river, at lead that which was fo confidered, took a direftion about S.57E., for a league and a half. A very dillant high fnowy mountain now appeared riling b-^autifully confpicuous in the niidfl of an extenfive traft of low, or moderately elevated, land, lying s. 67 e., and feemed to announce a termination to the river. From Belle Vue point they proceeded in the above direftion, pafling a fmall wooded ifland, about three miles in ex- tent, fituated in the middle of the ftream. Their route was between this ifland and the Ibuthern fliore, which is low ; the foundings between its north-weft point and the main land were 3 fathoms, increafing to 4, 5, and 6, off its fouth-eafl point ; from whence the river took its courfe s. 75 E. This obtained the name of Menzies' Islax'd ; near the eaft end of which is a fmall fandy woody ifland that was covered with wild geefe. From Belle Vue point, a fmall flream of flood had attended them to this flation ; but here a rapid downward current was met, though it was by no means high water. At the feveral creeks and branches they had palled they loff fucccfTively moft of their Indian companions, excejjtingone elderly chief, who, in the moll ciil and friendly manner had accompanied them from the firi}, and had a village ftill further up the river. Having received many prefents he had become much attached to the party, and, to manifefl his grati- tude, he now went forward to provide them with lodgings, and what- ever acceptable refrefliments his village migh.t afford. About feven in the evening they reached his habitation, where he much wifhcd them to remain : but preferring a more fecluded refling place, they re- forted to a fhallow creek a mile further up the river, and about eirht miles from Belle Vue point, where they palfed the night. Here it was low water about two, and high water at half pafl five o'clock the next morning. At feven they again departed, but ^vere obliged to retire fome difiance to clear a flioal fpit that lies off this creek ; after this they proceeded to the northern fliore. This fhore vas well ^vooded, com- pofed of llony beaches, and the foundings were regular from 2 to 7 fathoms. 1792. December.