The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
One week has now elapsed since we were climbing the rugged sides of
the Iroquois mountain, and together gazing upon the peaceful lake
whose waters reposed in quietness at its base. During that week you
may well imagine that scenes have passed before me, as diverse and
varied in interest and excitement as the vicissitudes of human life.
We have glided over the limpid waters of the Superior, when its broad
surface lay stretched out before us with all the placidity of a
polished mirror, and anon our slender barks have been tossed like a
feather upon the rushing billows. We have rambled along the sandy
beach, or the gravelled shore, or bounded from rock to rock in search
of new objects of attraction. We have ascended the sliding sands of
the Grande Sable, viewed with admiration and awe the variegated walls
of the Pictured Rocks, passed under the Doric arches, and scaled its
summit, and last but not least, climbed a weary way up the mountain of
the Breast. But I shall not be thanked for filling up my sheet with
such general observations.
Very little of interest is to be found upon the coast from Point
Iroquois to the Grande Marais. Nothing but a continuous sandy beach
meets the eye, which at length becomes tedious in the extreme. At the
Grande Marais, however, the scene changes. Here the lofty mountains of
Sable commence, which in themselves are sufficient to occupy the mind
until new wonders are presented. Mr. Johnston and myself, accompanied
by two of the Indian lads, ascended them near the beginning of the
range. Upon arriving at the summit, the prospect was at once
impressive and sublime. Behind us was the Superior, bounded but by the
horizon,--before us a gigantic amphitheatre, whose walls on either
side rose into the magnitude of mountains. We descended into the area,
and it was one in which the Olympian combatants would have delighted
to wage their contests for a false and short-lived fame. It was early
when we embarked, and being invigorated by the night's repose, we felt
inclined, despite fatigue, to make a survey of all that might prove
interesting. Passing on, we found that the winds had disposed of the
sand alternately in hills and valleys. Nothing but an arid waste met
the eye, except when here and there a hardy plant had reared its head
above the yellow surface, or a little islet _oasis_ of green was
observed on a hillock's side, struggling with surrounding desolation.
Being informed that a small lake lay beyond the Grande Sable, we
immediately resolved upon paying it a visit. The distance we had to
traverse was about a mile; and as we wound our way along, I
involuntarily drew the comparison between the journey of life and our
morning's excursion. How true is it that the great portion of our
existence in this world, is filled up with events that but leave the
soul in bitterness, while at times some bright flower, some sunny spot
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