gladly give his life; that he felt no fear of the monsters they
described; and that their information would only oblige him to keep more
on his guard against surprise. After having prayed, and given them some
instructions, he parted from them, and arrived at the _Bay of
Puans_,[124-6] now called Green Bay, where considerable progress had
been made by the French priests in the conversion of the Indians.

The name of this bay has a less unpleasant meaning in the Indian, than
in the French language, signifying also _salt bay_, which induced Father
Marquette to make strict researches for salt springs in this vicinity,
but without success. He concluded, therefore, that the name was given to
it in consequence of the ooze and mud deposited there, from whence, as
he thought, arise vapors, that produce frequent and violent thunder
storms. He speaks of this bay as about thirty leagues long and eight
leagues wide at its entrance, gradually contracting towards its head,
where the flux and reflux of the tides, much like those of the sea, may
be easily observed.

Leaving this bay, they ascended the river, since known as Fox River,
that empties into it. At its mouth, he says, the river is broad and
deep, and flows gently; but, as you advance, its course is interrupted
by rapids and rocks; which he passed, however, in safety. It abounds
with bustards,[125-7] ducks, and teal, attracted by the wild rice, which
grows there.

Approaching the village of _Maskoutins_,[125-8] or _nation of fire_, he
had the curiosity to taste the mineral water of a stream in its
vicinity. The village consisted of three several nations, namely,
_Miamis_, _Maskoutins_, and _Kikabeaux_. The first were the most
friendly and liberal, and the finest looking men. Their hair was long
over their ears. They were good warriors, successful in their
expeditions, docile, and fond of instruction. They were so eager to
listen to Father Allouez,[125-9] when he was among them, that they
allowed him no repose, even in the night. The Maskoutins and Kikabeaux
were coarser, and less civilized; their wigwams were constructed of
rushes (birch bark being scarce in this country), and might be rolled up
in bundles and carried where they pleased.

In visiting these people, Father Marquette was much gratified at seeing
a large cross erected in the center of the village, decorated with
thank-offerings to the Great Spirit, for their success during the last
winter. The situation of the