io6 CANADIAN NIGHTS 



carried in the centre, double the blanket over 

 them, and by hauling upon the two parts of the 

 strap bring the blanket together at either side, 

 so that nothing can fall out. You then cut a 

 skewer of wood, stick it through the blanket in 

 the centre, securely knot the strap at either end, 

 and your pack is made. You have a compact 

 bundle with the leather portion of the portage- 

 strap projecting like a loop, which is passed over 

 the head and shoulders, and the pack is carried 

 on the back by means of the loop which passes 

 across the chest. If the pack is very heavy, and 

 the distance long, it is usual to make an additional 

 band out of a handkerchief or something of that 

 kind, to attach it to the bundle, and pass it across 

 the forehead, so as to take some of the pressure 

 off the chest. The regular weight of a Hudson's 

 Bay Company's package is 80 lbs. ; but any 

 Indian or half-breed will carry double this weight 

 for a considerable distance without distress. A 

 tump-line, therefore, forms an essential part of 

 the voyageur^s outfit when travelling, and it 

 comes in handy also in camp as a clothes- 

 line on which to hang one's socks and moccasins 

 to dry. 



A camp such as that I have attempted to 



