But the air was resonant with the sound of falling water.

Three miles above the falls of the Gatineau and the Rideau, the main Ottawa River descended with a roar and a whirl of white foam and rainbow-tinted mist into the chasm called the Chaudiere or Kettle.

On a later occasion he describes the way in which the Algonkins propitiated the Spirit of the Chasm: "Continuing our way, we came to the Chaudiere Falls, where the savages carried out their customary ceremony.

After transporting their canoes to the foot of the fall they assemble in one spot, where one of them takes up a collection on a wooden platter, into which each person puts a bit of tobacco.

The collection having been made, the plate is placed in the midst of the troop, and all dance about it, singing after their style.