With Gun &> Rod in Canada 



perishing. In the way of small supplies his quick eye 

 looks for a compass, a waterproof matchbox, fly-dope, 

 or fly-net, court-plaster, a bandage or two, iodine, 

 tobacco, pipe, jack-knife, rubber-soled footwear or 

 moccasins, two or three pairs of " soldier's " socks, 

 sweater, etc. If he sees you have no compass, he will 

 not let you out of his sight on the entire trip. His 

 concern over fly-dope, matchbox, tobacco, court-plaster, 

 iodine, etc., is only with a view towards avoiding your 

 possible discomfort by supplying in his own pack what 

 has been left out of yours. 



The answer to his query about your digestive apparatus 

 guides him in the preparation of your meals and the 

 selection of raw food. His solicitous inquiry about your 

 use of alcoholic stimulants arises, I am sure, from a personal 

 interest in the whole liquor question, including all 

 brands, vintages, and percentages. There is always a 

 crestfallen expression upon their faces when they draw a 

 " sport " who does not drink. They are always willing 

 to " join " you at all times of the day or night, and have 

 been known to "join " you when you did not know any- 

 thing about it. Most of them have shortcomings as pro- 

 fessional guides, but as professional drunks they have no 

 peer (with apologies to the proverbial exceptions). Any 

 city-bred " Indian " who goes into the woods and allows 

 his guide to drink more than the bare courtesy of the 

 occasion may demand, deserves all the inefficient service 

 and neglect that is bound to follow. 



If you will remember that guides are not menials, 

 but are licensed by the Government to protect the 

 forests from fire, shield game from unlawful destruction, 

 defend their patrons (with their own lives, if necessary) 

 from the dangers of the forest, stream, and wild beasts, 

 and last, but not least, to guard the amateur sportsman 

 from self-inflicted injuries — you can properly respect 



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