ior. 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.

The old fort having been deserted by the English, as we have noticed
in a previous chapter, and they having fled to the Island of Mackinaw,
which, in the Indian name, signifies Island of the giant fairies,
preparations were made for a settlement. Sir Wm. Johnston called a
grand council with those Indians who had been engaged in the massacre
at Old Mackinaw. By this council, which was held in 1764, the spring
following the siege, a way was opened for St. Clair to negotiate for
the island, and also for the grants previously made by the Indians to
the French for military purposes. The first thing done after the
island had been obtained was the erection of a governme