When all was arranged, and the canoes afloat, the poles of the wigwams were first placed at the bottom, then the mats and bundles, which served apparently to sit on, and the kettles and chests were stowed in the middle; the old man was assisted by the others into the largest canoe; women, children, and dogs followed; the young men stood in the stern with their paddles as steersmen; the women and boys squatted down; each with a paddle;--with all this weight, the elegant buoyant little canoes scarcely sank an inch deeper in the water--and in this guise away they glided with surprising swiftness over the sparkling waves, directing their course eastwards for the Manitoolin Islands, where I hope to see them again. The whole process of preparation and embarkation did not occupy an hour. [Footnote 22: I learned subsequently, that the cone-like form of the wigwam is proper to the Ottawas and Pottowottomies, and that the oblong form, in which the branches or poles are bent over at top in an arch, is proper to the Chippewa tribe. But as this latter is more troublesome to erect, the former construction is usually adopted by the Chippewas also in their temporary encampments.] * * * * * MR. SCHOOLCRAFT. About ten o'clock I ventured to call on Mr. Schoolcraft, and was received by him with grave and quiet politeness. They were prepared, he said, for my arrival, and then he apologised for whatever might be deficient in my reception, and for the absence of his wife, by informing me that she was ill, and had not left her room for some days. Much was I discomposed and shocked to find myself an intruder under such circumstances! I said so, and begged that they would not think of me--that I could easily provide for myself--and so I could and would. I would have laid myself down in one of the Indian lodges rather than have been _de trop_. But Mr. Schoolcraft said, with much kindness, that they knew already of my arrival by one of my fellow-passengers--that a room was prepared for me, a servant already sent down for my goods, and Mrs. Schoolcraft, who was a little better that morning, hoped to see me. Here, then, I am installed for the next few days--and I know not how many more--so completely am I at the mercy of "fates, destinies, and such branches of learning!" * * * * *