A TRIP TO THE LA VAL. ^3 
cient for a make-shift, two indian-rnbber blankets apiece, 
one coated on the side the other in the middle, water- 
proof suits, plenty of blankets, flannels, and warm 
clothes ; and such other things as a gentleman ordinarily 
carries on a journey. As a defence against the mosqui- 
toes, black flies, sand flies, and other like torments of 
Satan's invention, there were veils, the oil of tar, and a 
mixture of glycerine, turpentine and spearmint. Above 
our treasures were carefully stowed our two canoes, 
bottom upmost. In a heavy sea they cannot be towed, 
as they are apt to fill and tear to pieces. 
Few persons know how beautiful and delicate a canoe 
is. It is manufactured only by the Indian; in that the 
white man has never equalled him. The best is made 
from a piece of white birch bark, stripped from the tree 
in springtime, damped, and after being cut away to the 
requisite extent, molded into the proper shape. The 
inside is covered with gum, and a thinner piece of bark 
fitted upon it, so that though the outer bark be torn, it 
still does not leak. Over this are passed thin strips of 
red cedar, lengthwise of the canoe, and crossing them at 
every inch are ribs of the same wood. The gunwale is 
formed of a stout stick of hickory or ash, laced to the 
sides, and four strong but slender thwarts bind the whole 
firmly together, and serve for seats or supports. Inferior 
articles are made of but one thickness and of poorer 
bark. The shape difi'ers according as they are manufac- 
tured by the ]Mountaineer3 or Micmacs, the two tribes of 
this region, the former building a long, narrow and 
graceful boat, easily capsized even for a canoe, and well 
suited for travel in smooth water ; while the latter build 
