We find in these relations of the Jesuits other matters of equal interest. The fathers of the missions in and around the Straits of Mackinaw gave it as their opinion, that the waters of Lake Superior entered into the Straits by a subterranean passage, and in support of it, mention the wonderful fact that the current floats against the wind, and notwithstanding it drives furiously in one direction, vessels are enabled to sail in a contrary direction as rapidly as though the wind were not blowing. In addition to this, they refer to the constant boiling up of the waters. Without admitting this theory, they affirmed that it was impossible to explain two things. The first is, that without such subterranean passage it is impossible to tell what becomes of the waters of Lake Superior. This vast lake has but one visible outlet, namely, the river of the Saut, while it receives into its bosom the waters of a large number of rivers, some twelve of which are of greater dimensions than the Saut. What then, they ask, becomes of all these waters if they do not find an issue through a subterranean river. The second reason for their belief in this theory is the impossibility to explain from whence come the waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan? But very few rivers flow into these lakes, and their size is such as to justify the belief that they must be supplied through the subterranean river entering into the Straits. CHAPTER V. Island of the Giant Fairies -- Possession by the English -- Erection of Government house -- French remain at Old Mackinaw -- Finally abandoned -- Extent of the Island -- History -- Description -- Natural curiosities -- Arch Rock -- Sugar Loaf Rock -- Scull Rock -- Dousman's Farm -- Davenport's Farm -- Robinson's Folly -- The Devil's Punch Bowl -- Healthful atmosphere -- Transparency of the waters -- Compared with Saratoga, Cape May, and Mt. Washington as a point for health and recreation -- Description of a traveler in 1854 -- Arrival of steamers and sailing vessels at the port during the year -- Mr. Johnson's reminiscences -- Indian name of Island -- Mythology -- Three brothers of the great Genii -- Visit to the subterranean abode of the Genii -- Vision -- Apostrophe of an old Indian Chief -- Old buildings -- Door of Marquette's Chapel -- John Jacob Astor and the fur trade -- Present support of the place -- Fort Mackinaw -- Fort Holmes -- Fine view -- Interesting localities -- War of 1812 -- Death of Major Holmes -- Soil of the Island.