It is the last leap of a mountain brook,
which in summer flows swiftly down the deep ravine, which it has cut.
Higher up, a part of the pure, clear stream is diverted as the water
supply for the mission-house and the native huts. As at Hopedale and
Zoar, this runs off a trough about a hundred yards from the house. At
Nain and Okak it is conducted straight into the kitchen, when desired.
In winter every station is liable to the freezing of the ordinary
supply, and then water must be fetched from a distance, or if none can
be found, snow or ice must be melted. Icicles are hanging from the
trough here to-day, for though the sun is warm now, there were four or
five degrees of frost last night, and the wind is still keen. In
spring, when a thaw sets in, this little stream is a source of danger
to Ramah. Its deep channel is filled with snow, and the pent-up
torrent, seeking an outlet, is apt to escape from its usual bounds and
start an avalanche down the steep declivity. When the thaw becomes
general, there is a grand series of leaping cataracts and roaring
rapids in that ravine.
[Illustration: AN ESKIMO IN HIS KAYAK.]
A FAITHFUL NATIVE HELPER.
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