except that which might be gathered from the shadowy representations of the wild men roaming in its solitudes. To know the capabilities of this mysterious, unmeasured domain; to learn the history, character, and relations of the differing tribes by whom it was inhabited,—was the day-dream of Champlain’s vigorous and active mind. But to attain this was not an easy task. It required patience, discretion, endurance of hardship and danger, a brave spirit, and an indomitable will. With these qualities Champlain was richly endowed, and from his natural love of useful adventure, and his experience in exploration, he was at all times ready and eager to push his investigations into these new regions and among these pre-historic tribes. [Illustration: THE ST. LAWRENCE, 1609. [From Lescarbot’s map, showing Quebec (Kebec) and Tadoussac at the mouth of the Saguenay.—ED.]] During the winter Champlain had learned from the Indians who came to the settlement that far to the southwest there existed a large lake, whose waters were dotted with beautiful islands, and whose shores were surrounded by lofty mountains and fertile valleys. An opportunity to explore this lake and the river by which its waters were drained into the St. Lawrence was eagerly coveted by Champlain. This region occupied a peculiar relation to the hostile tribes on the north and those on the south of the St. Lawrence. It was the battle-field, or war-path, where they had for many generations, on each returning summer, met in bloody conflict. The territory between these contending tribes was neutral ground. Mutual fear had kept it open and uninhabited. The Montagnais in the neighborhood of Quebec were quite ready to conduct Champlain on this exploration, but it was nevertheless on the condition that he should assist them in an attack upon these enemies if encountered on the lake. To this he acceded without hesitation. It is possible that he did not appreciate the consequences of assuming such a hostile attitude toward the Iroquois; but it is probable that he was influenced by a broad national policy, to which we shall revert in the sequel. [Illustration: VIEW OF QUEBEC. [Champlain’s, in his edition of 1613. Key: _A_, storehouse; _B_, dovecote; _C_, armory and workmen’s lodging; _D_, workmen’s lodging; _E_, dial; _F_, blacksmith shop and mechanics’ lodging; _G_, galleries all about the dwellings; _H_, Champlain’s house; _I_, gate and drawbridge; _L_, promenade, ten feet wide; _M_, moat; _N_, platform for cannon; _O_, Champlain’s garden; _P_, kitchen; _Q_, open space; _R_, St. Lawrence River. This print is also reproduced in Lemoine’s _Quebec Past and Present_, Quebec, 1876, and in _Voyages de Découverte au Canada_, published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in 1843.—ED.]] On the 18th day of June Champlain left Quebec for this exploration. His escort of Montagnais was subsequently augmented by delegations from their allies, the Hurons and the Algonquins.