This country between Lake Simcoe and the Bay of Quinte
seems to have pleased Champlain greatly. He saw it in
September, when the temperature was agreeable and when
the vegetation of the forest could be enjoyed without
the torment inflicted by mosquitoes. 'It is certain,' he
says, 'that all this region is very fine and pleasant.
Along the banks it seems as if the trees had been set
out for ornament in most places, and that all these tracts
were in former times inhabited by savages who were
subsequently compelled to abandon them from fear of their
enemies. Vines and nut trees are here very numerous.
Grapes mature, yet there is always a very pungent tartness,
which is felt remaining in the throat when one eats them
in large quantities, arising from defect of cultivation.
These localities are very pleasant when cleared up.'

From the Bay of Quinte the war-party skirted the east
shore of Lake Ontario, crossing the head of the St
Lawrence, and thence following the southern shore about
fourteen leagues. At this point the Indians concealed
all their canoes and struck into the woods towards Lake
Oneida. Though made up chiefly of Hurons, the little army
embraced various allies, including a band of Algonquins.
Whether from over-confidence at having Champlain among
them or from their natural lack of discipline, the allies
managed their attack very badly. On a pond a few miles
south of Oneida Lake lay the objective point of the
expedition--a palisaded stronghold of the Onondagas. At
a short distance from this fort eleven of the enemy were