22 HUNTING SPORTS OF THE WEST. 







boatman pops his craft on his back, and trots off with it 

 to smooth water. 



Sailing quietly up the river, the tents were pitched, 

 the first night, on the shores of Round Lake, a fine sheet 

 of water about twelve miles in circumference, and sur- 

 rounded by hills ; tall over-hanging trees shading their 

 encampment, which looked westward over the lake. The 

 accommodation within was primitive enough ; their beds 

 being made of green spruce, and fir boughs, while a bun 

 die of the same, bound into a fagot, served for a pillow. 



While enjoying the evening breeze, in front of their 

 tents, a long wake in the water, evidently caused by 

 some moving body, attracted their notice. Two of the 

 party set off to make out what it was ; and finding it was 

 a deer swimming across, they turned it in the direction 

 of the camp. It bounded ashore close to the tent, 

 sprang right through the group assembled there, and 

 dashed into the thicket behind. A shout greeted his 

 advent among the hunters ; given with such hearty good- 

 will, that in his fright, he leaped, bleating, a dozen feet 

 into the air, and plunged wildly on, crossed the little 

 isle with great jumps, the last being into the water at 

 the other side. 



Next morning the boatmen were sent onward with the 

 tents and baggage, while their masters made the tour of 

 this lovely little lake. Near its upper part is a deep 

 indentation, bordered by a luxuriant meadow of Nature's 

 own making, where the wild herbage, and water-lilies 

 that skirt its margin, afford a plentiful pasture for the 

 deer.^ They were enjoying it to their heart's content : 

 browsing away at grass and flowers ; (that must be some- 



