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THROUGH LAPLAND. 63
without our afliftance, would probably on many occafions have
been difheartened. They had not the leaft knowledge of the
depth of a current from the appearance of the furface, and of two
courfes prefented to their option, they were always fure to chufe
the worft and the fhalloweft. Through their awkwardnefs and
ftupidity, we were obliged to pafs a confiderable part of our jour-
ney along the river on foot. I have not a doubt but our Simon,
through the cataracts of Muonio, would have difcovered with a
glance of his penetrating eye, fome place where the boats might
have pafled in fafety. Two of our Laplanders came out of
their refpective boats, and in each one remained. One of thofe
who landed drew the boat along by means of a rope made of the
bark of the birch-tree ; the other, with a rope made of the fame
materials, checked and moderated its motion when the current
was tpo rapid. If at any time the Laplanders who were on foot
on the banks of the river, chanced to fpy any plant of the ange-
lica, they would immediately run to gather it; and having their
hands full of this herb, they would rather lofe hold of the ropes
and let the boats ftrike on rocks, than quit the delicious vegetable.
Sometimes when we were in the boat, they would chatter among
themfelves at fuch a rate, or be immerfed fo profoundly in the
pleafures of the pipe, that they took no manner of notice of ap-
proaching dangers; to which, of courfe, we were obliged to be
ourfelves attentive: and even when we did give them warning,
they would rather let the boats drive againft any obftacle, than in-
terrupt or difcompofe the bufinefs of eating angelica, or {moking
tobacco,
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