EVENING IX THE CAMP. 101 



in firing at these magnificent birds, whose blood tinged 

 with red the snowy whiteness of their wings. When the 

 slaughter ceased, the number of our victims amounted to 

 five and fifty floating on the lake, inert, their legs in 

 the air, their head under water. 



We were occupied for an hour or more in collecting 

 the dead game, and afterwards, each loaded with his 

 separate booty, returned by the same route to the Indian 

 encampment. Before night, all the Indians were seated 

 under the skins of their wigwams, while my friend and 

 myself sought the shelter of our cabin. 



However, on our arrival at the camp the fire had been 

 kindled ; the evening repast, consisting of bear's fat, dried 

 venison, and hickory-nuts, had been enjoyed with all the 

 relish of an appetite sharpened by fatigue ; and each had 

 lain down with his feet towards the fire that sparkled 

 and crackled in the middle of our bivouac. While their 

 wives, fathers, or brothers surrendered themselves to 

 " care-charming sleep," the Indians, squatting on their 

 heels, stripped the swans of their feathers, and squeezed 

 the light, airy plunder into bags made of goat-skin. 

 I watched their operations for some time from the glass 

 door of my cabin ; but at length the need of repose drew 

 me to my hammock, and it was not very long before I 

 slumbered as soundly as a child. 



Amidst such occupations as these we spent a pleasant 

 and lively week. All the hickory-nuts were gathered ; 

 the game, terrified by our daily fusillades, deserted the 

 district j and the Indians prepared for a change of quarters. 

 On the morning of the ninth day they collected their 

 spoils, hauled down their tents, and embarked in their 



