visit to the northern
lakes. The view from the beach is particularly grand. Before you is a
magnificent arch suspended in mid air. Indian tradition says that this
wonderful arch was formed by the giant spirits who inhabited this
island. Geological tradition, however, indicates that it was formed by
the action of the waters, which were at a remote period much higher
than at the present time.

The next object which strikes the attention of the visitors is the
"Sugar Loaf Rock," a high, isolated, conical rock which, resting upon
the elevated plateau that forms the next highest point of the island
from that of Fort Holmes, exhibits a rise of some sixty to eighty
feet. This is but little less than the elevation of the ridge which
forms the crowning plan of the island, and upon which the dismantled
post of Fort Holmes is seen, being separated therefrom by a distance
not exceeding one hundred and fifty yards. By what violent throe of
nature it has become severed from the adjacent ridge, of which it no
doubt, formed a part, is matter of curious inquiry. Has nature done
this by gradual recession, or by the slow upheaval of the land? On
inspection, this rock is found cavernous, slightly crystalline, with
its strata distorted in every conceivable direction. In its crevices
grow a few cedars and vines. As the visitor approaches it by the road
side its effect is grand and imposing; still more so, perhaps, when
beheld from the top of the ridge, where its isolated position with its
bold form, breaking the outline of the island, strikes the beholder
with wonder and admiration.

Robinson's Folly is a high bluff, northeast from the village of
Mackinaw, half a mile from the mission house. Soon after the
settlement of the modern Mackinaw, Capt. Robinson, of the English
army, then commanding this port, had a summer house built on the brow
of this bluff, now called Robinson's Folly, for the purpose of
enjoying the prospect from that cool and elevated spot. Often he and
his brother officers resorted there during the summer days, to while
away lonely and tedious hours. Pipes, cigars, and wine, were brought
into requisition. No Englishman at that period was without them; in
fact, no hospitality or entertainment was complete without them. They
were indeed isolated; the nearest white settlements being then
Detroit, Green Bay, Saut St. Mary, and Chicago. Communications with
these places were not frequent.

A few years after, from the action of