lake,--gained permission to build from the Indians, though not without
difficulty,--and began their labors with an abundant energy, and a very
deficient supply of workmen and tools. The new establishment was called
Sainte Marie. The house at Teanaustaye, and the house and chapel at
Ossossane, were abandoned, and all was concentrated at this spot.
On one hand, it had a short water communication with Lake Huron; and on
the other, its central position gave the readiest access to every part of
the Huron territory.

During the summer before, the priests had made a survey of their field of
action, visited all the Huron towns, and christened each of them with the
name of a saint. This heavy draft on the calendar was followed by
another, for the designation of the nine towns of the neighboring and
kindred people of the Tobacco Nation. [ See Introduction. ] The Huron
towns were portioned into four districts, while those of the Tobacco
Nation formed a fifth, and each district was assigned to the charge of
two or more priests. In November and December, they began their
missionary excursions,--for the Indians were now gathered in their
settlements,--and journeyed on foot through the denuded forests, in mud
and snow, bearing on their backs the vessels and utensils necessary for
the service of the altar.

The new and perilous mission of the Tobacco Nation fell to Garnier and
Jogues. They were well chosen; and yet neither of them was robust by
nature, in body or mind, though Jogues was noted for personal activity.
The Tobacco Nation lay at the distance of a two days' journey from the
Huron towns, among the mountains at the head of Nottawassaga Bay.
The two missionaries tried to find a guide at Ossossane; but none would
go with them, and they set forth on their wild and unknown pilgrimage
alone.