CAMPING 169 



a bad one mars it ; so try to engage a man who has really 

 first-rate references fi-om someone you know, if possible. 

 The same may be said of the cook, except that good ones 

 are the rara ayis of the country, for the culinary art is of 

 a very low order. Lucky indeed is he who finds a cook 

 that can make decent " biscuit " (soda bread, or scones) and 

 fry a piece of meat properly ; broiling meat is seldom 

 indulged in, as they say it loses the fat, which they regard 

 as the most important part. The great tendency is to soak 

 everything in grease, and it requires more persuasive powers 

 than most of us possess to discourage this practice. The 

 guides receive from a dollar and a half to three dollars (six 

 to twelve shillings) per day. Some of them supply a boat or 

 canoe without further charge, also cooking utensils. There 

 is, however, so much variety to the arrangement that it is 

 best to have a clear understanding before the engagement 

 is made. Helpers get from one to two dollars (four to eight 

 shillings) per day. On the whole, the Newfoundlander is a 

 splendid fellow, hard-working, honest, good-natured, and 

 only too anxious to please. This was the case some 

 years ago ; now, unfortunately, many of them have sadly 

 deteriorated since they have come under the baneful influence 

 of a certain type of sportsman who would spoil the best man 

 that ever lived. The hardiness of these men must always be 

 a source of surprise to the newcomer. Water has no dread 

 for them, and they will get soaked day after day without 

 a murmur. This is just as well, for it is a very clever man 

 who can keep dry with any degree of regularity in that 

 country. 



If the sportsman wishes to avoid trouble, he may engage 

 his entire outfit from any one of the sporting camps at a 

 given price per day all included — men, boats, tents, cooking 

 outfit, food, and even bedding. I would, however, suggest 



