National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-08-20
NOTES FROM NORTHERN WATERS.
Scenic Beauties Of white-Fish Bay-Mr. Lo,
the HalfCivilized,

Inc hhlI-ClVluZeQ.
NIPEGoN RIVER, Aug. II, 1876.
To the Editor Of the National Republican:
SIR: / left Ssult Ste. Marie on the morning Of
the 3Oth, per the steamer Msnistee, and arrived
at Marquette the same night. The scenery during
the trip was very fine. The air from of Lake Su-
perior had . smack Of winter in 1t, which was
really refreshing, and sent the mercury down to
fifty five.
After locking through we steamed out into
"whisky BAY" the opening of tie waters Of White
Fish bay, at the entrance Of which we passed
Point lroquois, on the American, and Point Aux
Pin on the Canadian SIDE with their light houses.
Here q range of mountains visible far to the north
from the $500, approach the water. and thence,
so long as the Canadian shore was visible, they
seemed to follow MP the line of the beach, retiring
at Goulais and Batchuvsnsmeg bavs and sdvanc-
1000 feet, and at the headland, named after the
mountain "Gros Cap" Is q mass of porphyry
nearly 700 feet in hsieht Here, as all along the
shore. the hillside is covered with dense growth
of different species Of evergreen. The Gr6or vita
attains Ilxurisnce unknown to our cultivated
tree. As we sailed along the shore the dense,
darEgreen foliage Of the ravine the lighter shades
of the hillside beneath the bright sun, varied by
the bold outcropping Of rock, moss. crowned and
stained by springs that ooze out through veins OF
iron ore, was certainly pleasing to the most IN
sentimental eye, and beautiful to one who can
''look from nature =
UP TO NATURES GOD"
The rocky islands and headlsnds are covered with
q species Of lchen which readily takes color
from the oxides Of copper and iron which seem to
be gathered up BY every trickling streamlet; so
that the surface Of the rock Is q perfect repre-
sentation, at least In variety Of shades, OF the
coat Of that biblical prototype Of our much
probably the last Of the kind. 1t is, in truth,
gloomy reflection that while the world has had
but sporadic cases Of the Joseph and Beecher
type, mankind have ever been unappreciative.
Emotional insanity ls, however, held 20 be Q suf-
fcent plea against the charge OF murder, and the
mss Sslsy ns1 cover JSseps BS ~
let us return to our mutton, AID leave the lambs
in charge Of the shepherd. CIR IS Cap is at the
dashed ct the rate Of fourteen miles per hour,
passing PaTisien Isle, beautifully wooded piece
Of stone work, designed and executed oy the
came character, and q considerable pile Of SAM
that is washed above the surface of
WHITE FISH POINT,
and near the mouth Of Batchuwanameg ray, to
which the geogrsphsrs have given the bfevet
title Of Sandy Islands.
We stopped 2 short time at the light-hou on
the fishermen who frequsnt that fagend Of tenn
poraI habitation. As we approached the shore I
with blankets over their heads and backs against
three stumps, about fifty feet apart. When our
boat drew up 10 the docks We were 80 close that
If o word had passed between them We could have
heard It, and we remained there at least an hour,
during which time they were as motionless and
quiet as statues. Upon inquiry as to the cause q
thing To see them summing themselves in that
manner, and In short, they were too id lazy to
do anything but eat fsh and sleep.
While regretted to hear Of the Incidence Of
these representatives Of the
FAIRER PORTION OF CREATION,
and thought It as remarkable as their singular
lack Of loquacity, my regret partook somewhat
of the character Of Rip Van Wrinkles remark to
the silent king OF the Cstskflls, when that wor-
ny indicstss BY shake q me head that be had
Vot good Wifes dey would make"
Well, leaving White Fish Point, we were soon
out on the broad expanse Of Lake Superior, sight
ing Mamoinsee Point on the north, and then no
more Of land was visible on either side until we
neared Marquette, where met some Of my jolly
companions Of the earlier portion Of my trip-one
from Cleveland, two from New York, G Oincin-
NATHAN and o Northumberland, per previous
agreement, We went to work for fve-days' en-
campment here. Four Indian boatmen, two Mao
inaw boats, birch canoe, three tents, o we'll
stocked commssary and
PRIMATIvE COOKING UNTENsILs,
lots of blankets and couple Of yards Of mosquito
netting to each man Is our outfit. Nearly every
thing was ready before arrived, and the next
morning We set sail for Nipegon bay, with o
splendid breeze TO help us-only we didn't need
It, as we were fortunate enough to find steam
barge which was coming near to this place. We
got aboard, fixed our boats and Indians in tow,
and arrived here nicely the following forenoon.
This is termed the Ultima Thule Of fishermen.
of that hereafter. party leave here for civil
IZation this afternoon, and, as We are storm
staid, have scribbled this 70 send you BY them.
Yours, A. d. RIFT.