The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-25

pine-covered hills. The WIND blowing freshly nom
the southwest the crew would not listen to the des
the sDoly'S which the Indian had carried on his
head, and, spreading malnsail and ib, crossed the
first lake In me style. This was
THE FIRST SAIL
OF the new canoe and she behaved remarkably well.
The wind was over the port quarter and, running
free, the little craft more than equaed all antcipa-
narrow strip Of land which separates the two lakes
night OF misery among mosquitoes and wood
ticks followed This morning, although the rain
fell In torrents and the wind blew half gale the
second lake was crossed In safety. The canoe
and although she frequently had her bow Under
water she did nettake drop over the waterproof
apron The birch bark, built to weather any storm,
side OF the lake acl old Indian, by name Kaba-be
sen-dung, was hined TO carry the Dolly ten miles
across the unbroGen Wilderness directly north, to
the Wild Rice River The best map OF Minnesota
which could be obtained in New York gave only ten
miles OF this stream east OF the Red River. Beyond
this all was a blank
The rain had ceased shortly after starting but the
clouds we're very thick. The guide carried the pro-
Notwithstanding took the Dolly upon his head,
while her crew, shoulderng the paddle, gun and
knapsacI followed In his track. The compass
showed our rOute to be due north. The crew then
discovered that, while 1t Is only thirty-five miles
from White Earth to ttasca, the direct line lies
through vast succession or swamps and windfalls
which could not be traTersed- The wilderness IN
which we found ourselves had originally been vast
forest OF pine, but fire had rendered 1t a barren
the eye could see to the northward the scene was
unchanged, while off to the cast, in the direction OF
our Mecca, was hill OF dead trees. The red sandy
soil OF this barren waste covered In places with
beautiful purple moss-ti2e only vegetation We
, continued our march
THROUGH THE DESERT,
and the clouds became blaeker with each moment
OF time. The Old indian, who had claimed to know
of trail across this desert, was unable to lind II
after the first few miles, and had to have recourse
entirely to 'Dolly'sr compass Suddenly the storm
fore the crew could stop the Indian who carried the
canoe IL was useless to put on the rubber coat
which was carried in the locker. The crew, being
thoroughly wet, ordered the guides to move on
and the march continued through the storm. The
shower having merged into q drtZgling rain, halt
was made, charred stump was heWn to pieces
and IRE lighted, around which we all
gathered. One of the Indians was sent off In the
direction of the hills she east in search OF water
Tired cold and thoroughly drenched the OF
the ''Doy" rolled themselves in rubber sheet and
slept until dinner was announced The Indian had
found muddy pond about one mile to the east
ward, and cup OF strong tea was greatly reished.
Dinner over, the portage was resumed, and,
through frequent showers, continued to our
present camp on the banks OF the Wild Rice River.
Frequent rests were necessary for the strong wind
which has been blowing most Of the DAP has rem
dered it extremely tiresome and difficult even for
an Indian TO carry canoe on his head. A gust OF
wind, striking the boats, would frequently swing
them about so Suddenly as to carry the Indians OF
their feet The Wild Rice River Is about twenty
five feet In width at this point. Tomorrow we
shall begin its asce Mt to Wild Rice Lake, distance
tS White Earth by 0ae of the Indians who leaves us
here.