terested in the listener,
or in the old man.

V. It is almost unnecessary to say that the tale is pure fiction,
and an example of brilliant exaggeration. As a matter of fact the
maelstrom is a whirlpool lying where Poe places it, and it has been
made noted by many other accounts than this of Poe, most of which
are exaggerated, but none of them so brilliant in execution as
Poe's. The difference between high tide and low tide in this
vicinity is very great, and every twelve hours vast masses of water
must be moved into the fiord and out again through narrow channels
and rough rocks. The currents resulting are dangerous to
navigation, and there are numerous whirlpools and eddies besides
the great maelstrom itself. Ordinarily, however, ships traverse the
passage without danger; but when in conjunction with high tide the
winds blow fiercely, the sea for miles around becomes highly
perilous to small vessels.

PERE MARQUETTE

_By_ JARED SPARKS[121-1]

It is generally believed that the Mississippi River was first discovered
by Ferdinand de Soto, as early as 1541. The accounts of his expedition
in Florida are so highly exaggerated, so indefinite, and in many parts
so obviously false, that little more can be inferred from them, than
that he passed far into the country, had many combats with the natives,
and finally died in the interior. The probability is so strong, however,
that he and his party actually crossed the Mississippi, that it has
usually been assumed as a historical fact.

The first Europeans, however, who are certainly known to have discovered
and explored this river, were two Frenchmen, Father Marquette[121-2] and
M. Joliet, in the year 1673. Marquette was a native of Picardy, and
Charlevoix calls him "one of the most illustrious missionaries of New
France," adding, that he travelled widely, and made many discoveries
besides that of the Mississippi. He had resided some time in Canada, and
attained a proficiency in the languages of the principal native tribes
who resided in the regions bordering on the Upper Lakes. The first
settlement of the old town of Michillimackinac, in 1671, is ascribed to
his exertions and influence.

The Indians had given many accounts of a great river at the west, which
flowed southwardly, and which they called _Mississipy_, as the word is
written by Marquette. It became a matter of curious speculation,