Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-01-31


the rough country. The latter village
was reached in safety, and on WedaeS-
day morning the expedition again
moved northward toward Killarney,
twenty-eight miles distant. which place
they expected TO arrive 1T before night
fall. The ice covering the water extend
ing between Sheguandah and Killarney
was pretty secure, and travelling over it
was preferred rather THAN ON
the rocky land Another advantage
gained by choosing the ice was
that the company could travel
in more direct course. Rapid
progress was made for about twenty-five
miles, when open water was reached,
and they were compelled to travel 10y
land again. Upon the advice Of some
Indians they endeavored TO reach
Killarney village by crossing the Kill
larney mountain. In consequence of
its very steep incline, together with the
deep snow which covered It's rugged
sides, but little progress was made, and
for over two hours they struggled TO
reach its summit. Darkness had by
that time fully set il, and being obliged
to remain where they were, cotton
tent was pitched and fire lighted out
side, on when supper was prepared.
The meal was composed Of roasted
pork, bread, and tea. 4 comparatively
comfortable night was spent, and ON
Thursday morning the company de
scended the mountain, and passing over
a frozen channel. reached Killarney iii
the afternoon.
Tie Journey was resumed about .
o'clock next morning, and after having
traversed about five miles over the ice
III IN easterly direction. an encamnment
Of Chippewa Indians was visited An
invitation was extended to the party to
remain over night, which they did, and
were entertained very Hospitality. The
direction to be taken now lay along the
eastern extremity OF the bay, and for
the distance travelling ON the ice was
rendered almost impossible ON account
of the many projecting pieces of ice
which had been broken by the waves
and afterward frozen soidly to the
mass. There were numerous water
holes, which obliged tho company to
take to shore. After having passed
through a tract of rocky husband they
came TO Il morass, which was crossed
with very great difficulty. Occasional
~ some Of the party would sink down
through the snow into the mud, and
before it had been crossed some of
them were SO heated by the exercise
that they took of their coats, and this
Notwithstanding the TACT that the
mercury must have been below sero
considerably. Grumhle Point was
finally reached i'll the evening, only
twenty miles having been made during
the day. Ono Of the party and M In
dian, who had given ont and remained
behind on the marsh, arrived ut s
O'Clock, being about an hour after the
rest. Here. rs nj the other Indian set
Elements, they We're treated kindly, and
although fatigucd with 50 hard days
travel, they started early next morn
ing toward French river, taking to the
ice over the Georgian bay once more.
Nothing remarkable occurred until the
party were crossing Bad river. when the
ice broke several times, letting into the
water some of those who were crossing.
As II safe mode of getting over, one or
two crawled to the other side on their
hands and knees, while the others felt
the ice il front Of them before crossing.
The company halted about $50 o'clock
at Mr.. f. b. Borron's residence, on the
banks of the French river. An inter
esting evening was spent with this gem
tleman, who is All eX-member for Ago
ma district. On Saturday morning they
resumed their journey on the
ice, and reached Byng inlet,
a distance OF twenty-six miles, early in
the evening. Leaving at s o'clock on
Sunday morning, they travelled thirty
iixe miles to an Indian village which
they reached about 7 o'clock the same
night. Taking an uncommonly early
rise on Monday morning they started OIL
about O'Clock through thick bLsh-
land toward Parry sound. After having
walked thirteen miles the party came to
a government road, where u team was
engaged to carry them through to
Parry sound. The Indians here left to
return, and after fourteen miles had
been traverscd Mr.. Lyon and company
reached Parry sound about 5 o'clock in
the evening. At 4 o'clock next morn
ing the party lett by stage for Craven.
hurst, where the cars were taken foi
Toronto.
The whole distance travelled was
about 375 miles; 2l0 miles of this dis.
lance was covered on snow-shoes, g. by
team, and 100 by rail. The time oc
cupied in travelling the distance was
about ten days.