176 NEWFOUNDLAND CARIBOU 



they are softened by the frosts. Either raw or stewed they 

 are equally good, and though liked by all they are par- 

 ticularly appreciated by the camper who has the good luck 

 to find himself in a good " patch." These, and a few 

 "wild pears" {ajnelanchiej-') and cranberries, constitute the wild 

 fruit supplies. It will easily be seen that, with the exception 

 of perhaps meat, everything needed for food must be carried. 

 All supplies can be obtained either in St. John's or at 

 Curling, Bay of Islands. The quality is generally good and 

 the prices fair (with the exception of coffee, with which I 

 have had no luck). It is scarcely necessary to give a list of 

 food, for this is not a *' how to camp " chapter, but rather an 

 account of the conditions to be met with, and which are more 

 or less peculiar to the island. It might be well to note that 

 if you are ordering food supplies, the men drink tea on every 

 available occasion. Never do they miss a chance of " boiling 

 a pot." If nothing else in the outfit is handy and getatable, 

 the kettle is sure to be in a conspicuous place. The men 

 expect you to supply them with tobacco and feel much 

 aggrieved if it is not forthcoming. 



On the subject of boats a few words may not be amiss. 

 Fifteen years ago, canoes were practically unknown in 

 Newfoundland, dories and " river boats " were the only kinds 

 used. Lately, however, the Canadian canoe has come into 

 fashion and many of the guides have them. Unfortunately, 

 these men, most of them rough fishermen, accustomed to 

 heavy, stiff boats, are somewhat awkward in the light 

 canoe, and handle it clumsily. This is all very well 

 in still water, but in rapid rivers and rough lakes skill 

 is necessary to ensure safety. The canoes are the light 

 canvas-covered models without keels, as a rule, and have no 

 serious objection to capsizing if given a reasonable excuse. 

 The man who is accustomed to their ways never gives them 



