An Elk-Hunt at Two-Ocean Pass 211 



lodge-poles, Indian fashion, like a wigwam. A 

 tepee is more difficult to put up than an ordinary 

 tent ; but it is very convenient when there is rain or 

 snow. A small fire kindled in the middle keeps it 

 warm, the smoke escaping through the open top 

 that is, when it escapes at all; strings are passed 

 from one pole to another, on which to hang wet 

 clothes and shoes, and the beds are made around the 

 edges. As an offset to the warmth and shelter, the 

 smoke often renders it impossible even to sit up 

 right. We had a very good camp-kit, including 

 plenty of cooking and eating utensils; and among 

 our provisions were some canned goods and sweet 

 meats, to give a relish to our meals of meat and 

 bread. We had fur coats and warm clothes, 

 which are chiefly needed at night, and plenty of 

 bedding, including water-proof canvas sheeting and 

 a couple of caribou-hide sleeping-bags, procured 

 from the survivors of a party of arctic explorers. 

 Except on rainy days, I used my buckskin hunting- 

 shirt or tunic ; in dry weather I deem it, because of 

 its color, its texture, and its durability, the best 

 possible garb for the still-hunter, especially in the 

 woods. 



Starting a day s journey south of Heart Lake, 

 we traveled and hunted on the eastern edge of the 

 great basin, wooded and mountainous, wherein rise 

 the head-waters of the mighty Snake River. There 

 was not so much as a spotted line that series of 



