46 THE LABKADOR PENINSULA. CHAP. in. 



which approached two feet in diameter a short distance 

 from the ground, with tall and clear trunks. The birch 

 was also large, and perhaps in the present condition of the 

 country the most important tree ; for it is from this neigh- 

 bourhood that the Montagnais and Nasquapees procure 

 the birch-bark for their canoes. This valuable tree 

 diminishes so much in size towards the upper waters of 

 the river, that its bark is not adapted for the construction 

 of canoes, and we were told that the only other place 

 where the birch tree grows to a size suitable for the con- 

 struction of those frail craft was on the Ashwanipi Eiver, 

 near where it empties itself into Hamilton Inlet. The 

 Hudson's Bay Company import bark from the Ottawa for 

 the use of the coast Indians. 



The following morning was wet and cold; but as soon 

 as the rain ceased, and while the men lay in their tents 

 sleeping or talking, Pierre, who spoke English well and 

 was never idle, busied himself in assisting the cook to 

 knead and bake. After several cakes were pronounced 

 ready for use, the conversation relating to hunting in these 

 wilds during the winter took place, as recorded in the 

 next chapter. 



