d canyon, and paused at the point
thenceforth to be known as Quesnel. On the third day they passed
Mackenzie's farthest south--the site of the present Alexandria. Below
this the river was unexplored and unknown. Suddenly the enormous
flood-waters swollen by melting mountain snows contracted to a width of
only forty yards, and with a fearful roar swept into a rock-walled
gorge. In sublime unconsciousness of heroism Fraser records:

As it was impossible to carry the canoes across the land owing to the
height of the steep hills, we resolved to venture down. I ordered the
five best men of the crews into a canoe lightly loaded; and in a moment
it was under way. After passing the first cascade she lost her head
and was drawn into an eddy, where she was whirled about, in suspense
whether to sink or swim. However, she took a turn from this vortex,
flying from one danger to another; but, in spite of every effort, the
whirlpool forced her against a low rock. Upon this the men scrambled
out, saving their lives; but the greatest difficulty was {92} still
ahead. To continue by water would be certain destruction. During this
distressing scene we were on shore looking on; but the situation
rendered our approach perilous. The bank was high and steep. We had
to plunge our daggers into the ground to avoid sliding into the river.
We cut steps, fastened a line to the front of the canoe, and hauled it
up. Our lives hung upon a thread, as one false step might have hurled
us into eternity. However, we cleared the bank before dark. The men
had to ascend the immense hills with heavy loads on their backs.

Indians warned the white men to desist from their undertaking. Better,
they advised, go overland eastward to a great peaceful river and
descend that to the sea. Fraser, of course, did not know that the
peaceful river they spoke of was really the Columbia. He thought the
river he was following was the Columbia. With the help of Indians the
canoes were pulled up-hill, and horses were hired from them to carry
the provisions overland. Below this portage, as they continued the
descent, an enormous crag spread {93} across the river, appearing at
first to bar the passage ahead. This was Bar Rock. Beyond it several
minor rapids were passed without difficulty; and then they came upon a
series of great whirlpools which seemed impassable. But the men
unloaded the canoes and--'a desperate undertaking'--ran them down the
rapids